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Hiotographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  USSO 

(716)  872-4503 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  da  microreproductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  IM  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checiced  below. 


D 


D 


D 
D 


D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


I      I    Covers  damaged/ 


Couverture  endommagte 

Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaur^e  et/ou  pellicul6e 


□    Cover  title  missing/ 
Le 


titre  de  couverture  manque 

loured  maps/ 
Cartes  g^ographiques  en  couleur 

Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue 

Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  ble;  a  ou  noire) 


I      I    Coloured  maps/ 

I      I    Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 


I      I    Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 


D 


Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 


Bound  with  other  material/ 
Relit  avec  d'autres  documents 


Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  reliure  serr6e  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  intArieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajout6es 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mats,  lorsque  cela  Atait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  At  A  filmAas. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  supplAmentaire*: 


L'Institut  a  microfilm*  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  6t6  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-Atre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  mtthode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiqufo  ci-dessous. 


I     I   Coloured  pages/ 


Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagdes 

Pages  restored  and/oi 

Pages  restaurtes  et/ou  pellicul6es 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxei 
Pages  dAcolortes,  tachettes  ou  piqutes 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  d6tach6es 

Showthrough/ 
Transparence 

Quality  of  priii 

Qualiti  inigaie  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  materit 
Comprend  du  matArie)  supplAmantaire 

Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Mition  disponible 


I     I  Pages  damaged/ 

I      I  Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 

I     I  Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 

r~n  Pages  detached/ 

I      I  Showthrough/ 

I      I  Quality  of  print  varies/ 

I      I  Includes  supplementary  material/ 

I — I  Only  edition  available/ 


0 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc..  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  pMrtiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  M  filmies  A  nouveau  de  fa^on  h 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


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This  item  ic  filmad  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  film*  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqu*  ci-€?essous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


^^ 


12X 


16X 


20X 


26X 


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24X 


28X 


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32X 


Th«  copy  filmed  h«r«  haa  b««n  r«produc«d  thanks 
to  tha  ganaroaity  of: 

Library  Division 

Provincial  Archives  of  British  Columbia 

Tha  imagas  appaaring  hara  ara  tha  bast  quality 
possibia  considaring  tha  condition  and  lagibility 
of  tha  original  copy  and  in  Icaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  spacifications. 


Original  copias  in  printad  papar  covars  ara  fiimad 
beginning  with  tha  front  covar  and  anding  on 
tha  last  paga  with  a  printad  or  iilustratad  impras- 
sion.  or  tha  back  covar  whan  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  ara  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  — »-  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 

Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


L'exemplaira  film*  fut  reproduit  grice  A  la 
g*n*roslt4  da: 

Library  Division 

Provincial  Archives  of  British  Columbia 

Las  images  suivantea  ont  At*  raproduites  avac  la 
plus  grand  soin,  compta  tenu  de  la  condition  at 
da  la  nettet*  de  Texemplaira  film*,  et  en 
conformit*  avac  las  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 

Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprim*e  sont  film*s  en  commenpant 
par  la  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
derni*re  paga  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  la  second 
plat,  salon  la  cas.  Tous  las  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  film*s  en  commen^ant  par  la 
premi*re  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  derni*re  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaltra  sur  la 
derni*re  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  salon  lo 
cas:  la  symbols  — ^  signifie  "A  SUIVRE  ",  le 
symbols  V  signifie  "FIN". 

Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  *tre 
film*s  *  des  taux  de  r*duction  diff*rents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  *tre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clich*,  ii  est  film*  *  partir 
de  i'angie  sup*rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  *  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  n*cessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  m*thode. 


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»Y 


EDWARD  S.  ELLIS,  A.M. 


AlTiHOR  OF 


'•iinpers  (''it  '  '  '^^irv. 


',"  Etc. 


X 


WflLADELPHlA 

PUBLISHING  com'km 

1893 


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Among  the  Esquimaux 


OR 


Adventures  under  the  Arctic  Circle 


BY 


EDWARD  S.  ELLIS,  A.  M. 


AUTHOR  OF 


"The  Campers  Out,"  "Comrades  True,"  Etc. 


PHILADELPHIA 
THE  PENN   PUBLISHING  CC  APANY 

1895 


Copyright  1894  by  The  Penn  Publishino  Company 


CONTENTS 


CHAP. 
I 

II 
III 
IV 

V 

VI 

VII 

VIII 

IX 

X 

XI 

XII 

XIII 

XIV 

XV 

XVI 

XVII 

XVIII 


PAOB 

Two  Passengers  ON  THE  "Nautilus" 7 

A  Colossal  Somersault iq 

An  Alarming  Situation 27 

Adrift og 

An  Icy  Couch ^g 

Missing gc 

A  Point  of  Light 54 

Hope  Deferred , 73 

A  Startling  Occurrence 82 

An  Ugly  Customer 91 

Lively  Times 99 

Fred's  Experience iQg 

The  Fog jj- 

A  Collision j26 

The  Sound  of  a  Voice 135 

Land  Hoi i^ 

DocAK  AND  His  Homb  . 153 

A  New  Expedition 1^2 

6  '  ■ 


233304 


6 


CHAP. 

XIX 

XX 

XXI 

XXII 

XXIII 

XXIV 

XXV 

XXVI 

XXVII 

XXVIII 

XXIX 

XXX 

XXXI 

XXXII 

XXXIII 


CONTENTS 

PAOE 

A  Wonderful  Exhibition 171 

The  Herd  of  Musk  Oxen 180 

Close  Quarters .  •  189 

Fred's  Turn 198 

In  the  Cavern 207 

Unwelcome  Callers 216 

The  Comino  Shadow 225 

Walled  In 234 

"Come  On!" 243 

A  Hopeless  Task 251 

Ten  Miles 260 

The  Last  Pause 269 

Another  Sound 278 

The  Wild  Men  op  Greenland 287 

Conclusion 301 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMADX 


CHAPTER  I 


TWO  PASSENGERS  ON  THE  "  NAUTILUS  " 

The  good  ship  "  Nautilus  "  had  completed  the 
greater  part  of  her  voyage  from  London  to  her 
far-off  destination,  deep  in  the  recesses  of  Brit- 
ish America.  This  was  York  Factory,  one  of 
the  chief  posts  of  the  Hudson  Bay  Company. 

Among  the  numerous  streams  flowing  into 
Hudson  Bay,  from  the  frozen  regions  of  the 
north,  is  the  Nelson  River.  Near  the  month 
of  this  and  of  the  Hayes  River  was  erected, 
many  years  ago,  Fort  York,  or  York  Factory. 
The  post  is  not  a  factory  in  the  ordinary  mean- 
ing of  the  word,  being  simply  the  headquarters 
of  the  factors  or  dealers  in  furs  for  that  vast 
monopoly  whose  agents  have  scoured  the  dismal 
regions  to  the  north  of  the  Saskatchewan,  in  the 

7 


8 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


land  of  Assiniboine,  along  the  mighty  Yukon 
and  beyond  the  Arctic  Circle,  in  quest  of  the  fur- 
bearing  animals,  that  are  found  only  in  their 
perfection  in  the  coldest  portions  of  the  globe. 

The  buildings  which  form  the  fort  are  not  at- 
tractive, but  they  are  comfortable.  They  are 
not  specially  strong,  for,  though  the  structure 
has  stood  for  a  long  time  in  a  country  which 
the  aborigines  make  their  home,  and,  though  it 
is  far  removed  from  any  human  assistance,  its 
wooden  walls  have  never  been  pierced  by  a  hos- 
tile bullet,  and  it  is  safe  to  say  they  never  will 
be.  Somehow  or  other,  our  brethren  across  the 
northern  border  have  learned  the  art  of  getting 
along  with  the  Indians  without  fighting  them. 

The  voyageurs  and  trappers,  returning  from 
their  journeys  in  canoes  or  on  snow-shoes  to  the 
very  heart  of  frozen  America,  first  catch  sight  of 
the  flag  floating  from  the  staff  of  York  Factory, 
and  they  know  that  a  warm  welcome  awaits 
them,  because  the  peltries  gathered  amid  the 
recesses  of  the  frigid  mountains  and  in  the 
heart  of  the  land  of  desolation  are  sure  to  find 


TWO    PASSENGERS   ON   THE   "  NAUTILUS " 


9 


ready  purchasers  at  t!..  post,  for  the  precious 
furs  are  eagerly  sought  for  in  the  marts  of  the 
Old  and  of  the  Nev  ,VorU. 

It  is  a  lonely  life  for  the  inhabitants  of  the 
fort,  for  it  is  only  onco  a  year  that  the  ship  of 
the  company,  after  breasting  the  fierce  storms 
and  powerful  currents  of  the  Atlantic,  sails  up 
the  great  mouth  of  Baffin  Bay,  glides  through 
Hudson  Strait,  and  thence  steals  across  the  icy 
expanse  of  Hudson  Bay  to  the  little  fort  near 
the  mouth  of  the  Nelson. 

You  can  understand  how  welcome  the  ship  is, 
for  it  brings  the  only  letters,  papers,  and  news 
from  home  that  can  be  received  until  another 
twelvemonth  shall  roll  around.  Such,  as  I  have 
said,  is  the  rule,  though  now  and  then  what  may 
be  termed  an  extra  ship  makes  that  long,  tem- 
pestuous voyage.  Being  unexpected,  its  coming 
is  all  the  more  joyful,  for  it  is  like  the  added 
week's  holiday  to  the  boy  who  has  just  made 
ready  for  the  hard  work  and  study  of  the 
school-room. 

You  know  there  has  been  considerable  said 


10 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


and  written  about  a  railway  to  Hudson  Bay, 
with  the  view  of  connection  thence  by  ship  to 
Europe.  Impracticable  as  is  the  scheme,  because 
of  the  ice  which  locks  up  navigation  for  months 
every  year,  it  has  had  strong  and  ingenious  ad- 
vocates, and  considerable  money  has  been  spent 
in  the  way  of  investigation.  The  plan  has  been 
abandoned,  for  the  reasons  I  have  named,  and 
there  is  no  likelihood  that  it  will  ever  be  at- 
tempted. 

The  "  Nautilus  "  had  what  may  be  called  a 
roving  commission.  It  is  easy  to  understand 
that  so  long  as  the  ships  of  the  Hudson  Bay 
Company  have  specific  duties  to  perform,  and 
that  the  single  vessel  is  simply  ordered  to  take 
supplies  to  York  Factory  and  bring  back  her 
cargo  of  peltries,  little  else  can  be  expected  from 
her.  So  the  staunch  "  Nautilus  "  was  fitted  out, 
placed  under  the  charge  of  the  veteran  naviga- 
tor. Captain  Mc Alpine,  who  had  commanded 
more  than  one  Arctic  whaler,  and  sent  on  her 
westward  voyage. 

The  ultimate  destination  of  the  "  Nautilus  " 


TWO   PASSENGERS   ON   THE   "  NAUTILUS " 


11 


was  York  Factory,  though  she  was  to  touch  at 
several  points,  after  calling  at  St.  John,  New- 
foundland, one  of  which  was  the  southern  coast 
of  Greenland,  where  are  located  the  most  famous 
cryolite  mines  in  the  world,  belonging,  like 
Greenland  itself,  to  the  Danish  Government. 

There  is  little  to  be  told  the  reader  about  the 
"Nautilus"  itself  or  the  crew  composing  it,  but 
it  so  happened  that  she  had  on  board  three 
parties,  in  whose  experience  and  adventures  I 
am  sure  you  will  come  to  feel  an  interest.  These 
three  were  Jack  Cosgrove,  a  bluff,  hearty  sailor, 
about  forty  years  of  age ;  Rob  Carrol,  seventeen, 
and  Fred  Warburton,  one  year  younger. 

Rob  was  a  lusty,  vigorous  young  man,  honest, 
courageous,  often  to  rashness,  tlie  picture  of 
athletic  strength  and  activity,  and  one  whom 
you  could  not  help  liking  at  the  first  glance. 
His  father  was  a  director  in  the  honorable 
Hudson  Bay  Company,  possessed  considerable 
wealth,  and  Rob  was  the  eldest  of  three  sons. 

Fred  Warburton,  while  displaying  many  of 
the  mental   characteristics  of  liis  friend,  was 


12 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


quite  different  physically.  He  was  of  much 
slighter  build,  not  nearly  so  strong,  was  more 
quiet,  inclined  to  study,  but  as  warmly  devoted 
to  the  splendid  Rob  as  the  latter  was  to  him. 

Fred  was  an  orphan,  without  brother  or  sister, 
and  in  such  straitened  circumstances  that  it  had 
become  necessary  for  him  to  find  some  means  of 
earning  his  daily  bread.  The  warm-hearted  Rob 
stated  the  case  to  his  father,  and  said  that  if  he 
didn't  make  a  good  opening  for  his  chum  he 
himself  would  die  of  a  broken  heart  right  on 
the  spot. 

"  Not  so  bad  as  that,  Rob,"  replied  the  genial 
gentleman,  who  was  proud  of  his  big,  manly  son ; 
"  I  have  heard  so  much  from  you  of  young  Mr. 
Warburton  that  I  have  kept  an  eye  on  him  for 
a  year  past." 

"  I  may  have  told  you  a  good  deal  about  him," 
continued  Rob,  earnestly,  "  but  not  half  as  much 
as  he  deserves." 

"  He  must  be  a  paragon,  indeed,  but,  from 
what  I  can  learn,  my  son,  he  has  applied  himself 
80  hard  to  his  studies  while  at  school  that 


^: 


TWO   PASSENGERS   ON   THE   "  NAUTILUS " 


13 


he  ought  to  have  a  vacation  before  settling  down 
to  real  hard  work ;  what  do  you  think  about  it, 
Kobert  ?" 

"  A  good  idea,  provided  I  take  it  with  him," 
added  the  son,  slyly. 

"  I  see  you  are  growing  quite  pale  and  are 
losing  your  appetite,"  continued  the  parent,  with 
a  grave  face,  which  caused  the  youth  to  laugh 
outright  at  the  pleasant  irony. 

"  Yes,"  said  the  big  boy,  with  the  same  grav- 
ity ;  "  I  suffer  a  great  loss  of  appetite  three  or 
four  times  every  day ;  in  fact,  I  feel  as  though  I 
couldn't  eat  another  mouthful." 

"  I  have  observed  that  phenomenon,  my  son, 
but  it  never  seems  to  attack  you  until  the  table 
has  been  well  cleared  of  everything  on  it.  Ah, 
my  boy  !"  he  added,  tenderly,  laying  his  hand 
on  his  head ;  "  I  am  thankful  that  you  are 
blessed  with  such  fine  healtu.  Be  assured  there 
is  nothing  in  this  world  that  can  take  its  place. 
With  a  conscience  void  of  offense  toward  God 
and  man,  and  a  body  that  knows  no  ache 
nor  pain,  you  can  laugh  at  the  so-called  miseries 


14 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


of  life ;  they  will  roll  from  you  like  water  from 
a  duck's  back." 

"  But,  father,  have  you  thought  of  any  way 
of  giving  Fred  a  vacation  b.efore  he  goes  to 
work  ?  You  know  he  is  as  poor  as  he  can  be, 
and  can't  afford  to  do  nothing  and  pay  his  ex- 
penses." 

"The  plan  I  have  in  mind,"  replied  the 
father,  leaning  back  in  his  chair  and  twirling 
his  eyeglasses,  "  is  this :  nexl  week  the  *  Nau- 
tilus,' one  of  the  company's  ships,  will  leave 
London  for  York  Factory,  which  is  a  station 
deep  in  the  heart  of  British  America.  She 
will  touch  at  St.  John,  Greenland,  and  several 
other  points  on  her  way,  and  may  stop  several 
weeks  or  months  at  York  Factory,  according  to 
circumstances.  If  it  will  suit  your  young  friend 
to  go  with  her,  I  will  have  him  registered  as  one 
of  our  clerks,  which  will  entitle  him  to  a  salary 
from  the  day  the  'Nautilus'  leaves  the  dock. 
The  sea  voyage  will  do  him  good,  and  when  he 
returns,  at  the  end  of  a  year  or  less,  he  can 
settle  down  to  hard  work  in  our  office  in  Lon- 


TWO    PASSENGERS    ON   THE   "  NAUTILUS " 


15 


don.  Of  course,  if  Fred  goes,  you  will  have  to 
stay  at  home." 

Rob  turned  in  dismay  to  his  parent,  but  he 
observed  a  twitching  at  the  corners  of  his 
mouth,  and  a  sparkle  of  the  fine  blue  eyes, 
which  showed  he  was  only  teasing  him. 

"  Ah,  father,  I  understand  you !"  exclaimed 
the  big  boy,  springing  forward,  throwing  an 
arm  about  his  neck  and  kissing  him.  "You 
wouldn't  think  of  separating  us." 

"  I  suppose  not.  There  !  get  along  with  you, 
and  tell  your  friend  to  make  ready  to  sail  next 
week,  his  business  being  to  look  after  you  while 
away  from  home." 

And  that  is  how  Rob  Carrol  and  Fred  War- 
burton  came  to  be  fellow-passengers  on  the  ship 
"  Nautilus"  on  the  voyage  to  the  far  North. 


CHAPTER  n 


A  COLOSSAL  SOMERSAULT 


The  voyage  of  the  "  Nautilus  "  was  unevent- 
ful until  she  was  far  to  the  northward  in  Baffin 
Bay.  It  was  long  after  leaving  St.  John  that 
our  friends  saw  their  first  iceberg.  They  should 
have  seen  them  before,  as  Captain  McAlpine 
explained,  for,  as  you  well  know,  tho&e  moun- 
tains of  ice  often  cross  the  path  of  the 
Atlantic  steamers,  and  more  than  once  have 
endangered  our  great  ocean  greyhounds.  No 
doubt  numbers  of  them  were  drifting  south- 
ward, gradually  dissolving  as  they  neared  the 
equator,  but  it  so  happened  that  the  "  Nautilus  " 
steered  clear  of  them  until  many  degrees  to  the 
north. 

The  captain,  who  was  scanning  the  icy  ocean 

with  his  glass,  apprised  the  boys    that    the 

longed-for  curiosity  was  in  sight  at  last.    As  he 

spoke,  he  pointed  with  his  hand  to  the  north- 

16 


A   COLOSSAL   SOMERSAULT 


17 


west,  but  though  they  followed  the  direction 
with  their  eyes,  they  were  disappointed. 

"  I  see  nothing,"  said  Rob,  "  that  looks  like 
an  iceberg." 

"  And  how  is  it  with  you,  Mr.  Warburton  ?" 
asked  the  skipper,  lowering  his  instrument,  and 
turning  toward  the  younger  of  the  boys,  who 
had  approached,  and  now  stood  at  his  side. 

"  We  can  make  out  a  small  white  cloud  in 
the  horizon,  that's  all,"  said  Fred. 

"  It's  the  cloud  I'm  referring  to,  boys  ;  now 
take  a  squint  at  that  same  thing  through  the 
glass." 

Fred  leveled  the  instrument  and  had  hardly 
taken  a  glance,  when  he  cried : 

"Oh!  it's  an  iceberg  sure  enough  I  Isn't  it 
beautiful  ?" 

While  he  was  studyihg  it,  the  captain  added : 

"  Turn  the  glass  a  little  to  the  left." 

"There's  another  I"  added  the  delighted 
youth. 

"  I  guess  we've  struck   a    school   of  'em,'* 
remarked  Rob,  who  was  using  his  eyes  as  best 
2 


18 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


he  could ;  "  I  thought  we'd  bring  up  the  aver- 
age before  reaching  Greenland." 

"  It's  a  sight  worth  seeing,"  commented  Fred, 
handing  the  glass  to  his  friend,  whose  pleasure 
was  fully  as  great  as  his  own. 

The  instrument  was  passed  back  and  forth, 
and,  in  the  course  of  a  half-hour,  the  vast 
masses  of  ice  could  be  plainly  discerned  with 
the  unaided  eye. 

"  That  proves  they  are  coming  toward  us,  or 
we  are  going  toward  thefia,"  said  Rob. 

"  Both,"  replied  Captain  McAlpine ;  "  we 
shall  pass  within  a  mile  of  the  larger  one." 

"  Suppose  we  run  into  it  ?" 

The  old  sea-dog  smiled  grimly,  as  he  replied  : 

"I  tried  it  once,  when  whaling  with  the 
*  Mary  Jane.'  I  don't  mean  to  say  I  did  it  on 
purpose,  but  there  was  no  moon  that  night,  and 
when  the  iceberg,  half  as  big  as  a  whole  town, 
loomed  up  in  the  darkness,  we  hadn't  time  to, 
get  out  of  its  path.  Well,  I  guess  I've  said 
enough,"  he  remarked,  abruptly. 

"  Why,  you've  broken  off  in  the  most  inter- 


A  COLOSSAL   SOMERSAULT 


19 


esting  part  of  the  story,"  said  the  deeply  in- 
terested Fred. 

"  Well,  that  was  the  last  of  the  *  Mary  Jane.* 
The  mate,  Jack  Cosgrove,  and  myself  were  all 
that  escaped  out  of  a  crew  of  eleven.  We  man- 
aged to  climb  upon  a  small  shelf  of  ice,  just 
above  the  water,  where  we  would  have  perished 
with  cold  had  not  an  Esquimau  fisherman, 
named  Docak,  seen  us.  We  were  nearer  the 
mainland  than  we  dared  hope,  and  he  came  out 
in  his  kayak  and  took  us  off.  He  helped  us  to 
make  our  way  to  Ivigtut,  where  the  cryolite 
mines  are,  and  thence  we  got  back  to  England 
by  way  of  Denmark.  No,"  added  Captain 
McAlpine,  "a  prudent  navigator  won't  try  to 
butt  an  iceberg   out  of   his    path ;    it    don't 

pay." 

"  It  must  be  dangerous  in  these  waters,  espe- 
cially at  night.!' 

"  There  is  danger  everywhere  and  at  all  times 
in  this  life,"  was  the  truthful  remark  of  the 
commander;  "and  you  know  that  the  most 
constant  watchfulness  on  the  part  of  the  great 


20 


AMONG    THE   ESQUIMAUX 


steamers  cannot  always  avert  disaster,  but  I 
have  little  fear  of  anything  from  icebergs." 

You  need  to  be  told  little  about  those  moun- 
tains of  ice  which  sometimes  form  a  procession, 
vast,  towering,  and  awful,  that  stream  down 
from  the  far  North  and  sail  in  all  their  sub- 
lime grandeur  steadily  southward  until  they 
"go  out  of  commission"  forever  in  the  tepid 
Waters  of  the  tropic  regions. 

It  is  a  strange  spectacle  to  see  one  of  them 
moving  resistlessly  against  the  current,  which  is 
sometimes  dashed  from  the  corrugated  front, 
as  is  seen  at  the  bow  of  a  steamboat,  but  the 
reason  is  simple.  Nearly  seven-eighths  of  an 
iceberg  is  under  water,  extending  so  far  down 
that  most  of  the  bulk  is  often  within  the 
embrace  of  the  counter  current  below.  This, 
of  course,  carries  it  against  the  weaker  flow, 
and  causes  many  people  to  wonder  how  it  can 
be  thus. 

While  the  little  group  stood  forward  talking 
of  icebergs,  they  were  gradually  drawing  near 
the  couple  that  had  first  caught  their  attention. 


A  COLOSSAL  SOMERSAULT 


21 


By  this  time  a  third  had  risen  to  sight,  more  to 
the  westward,  but  it  was  much  smaller  than  the 
other  two,  though  more  unique  and  beautiful. 
It  looked  for  all  the  world  like  a  grand  cathe- 
dral, whose  tapering  spire  towered  fully  two 
hundred  feet  in  air.  It  was  easy  to  imagine 
that  some  gigantic  structure  had  been  sub- 
merged by  a  flood,  while  the  steeple  still  reared 
its  head  above  the  surrounding  waters  as  though 
defying  them  to  do  their  worst. 

The  other  two  bergs  were  much  more  enor- 
mous and  of  irregular  contour.  The  imagina- 
tive spectator  could  fancy  all  kinds  of  resem^ 
blances,  but  the  "  cold  fact "  remained  that  they 
were  simply  mountains  of  ice,  with  no  more 
symmetry  of  outline  than  a  mass  of  rock  blasted 
from  a  quarry, 

"  I  have  read,"  said  Fred,  "  that  in  the  ice- 
berg factories  of  the  north,  as  they  are  called, 
they  are  sometimes  two  or  three  years  in  form- 
ing, before  they  break  loose  and  sweep  off  into 
the  ocean." 

"  That  is  true,"  added  Captain  Mc Alpine;  "an 


22 


AMONG   THE  ESQUIMAUX 


iceberg  is  simply  a  chunk  off  a  frozen  river, 
and  a  pretty  good-sized  one,  it  must  be  admitted. 
Where  the  cold  is  so  intense,  a  river  becomes 
frozen  from  the  surface  to  the  groun^l.  Snow 
falls,  there  may  be  a  little  rain  during  ^he  mod- 
erate season,  then  snow  comes  again,  and  all  the 
Lime  the  water  beneath  is  freezing  more  and 
more  solid.  Gravity  and  the  pressure  of  the 
inconceivable  weight  beyond  keeps  forcing  the 
bulk  of  ice  and  snow  nearer  the  ocean,  until  it 
projects  into  the  clear  sea.  By  and  by  it  breaks 
loose,  and  off  it  goes." 

"  But  why  does  it  take  so  long  T* 

"  It  is  like  the  glaciers  of  the  Alps.  Being 
solid  as  a  rock  while  the  pressure  is  gradual  as 
well  as  resistless,  it  may  move  only  a  few  feet  in 
a  month  or  a  year ;  but  all  the  same  the  end 
must  come." 

The  captain  had  grown  fond  of  the  boys,  and 
the  fact  that  the  father  of  one  of  them  was  a 
director  of  the  company  which  employed  him 
naturally  led  him  to  seek  to  please  them  so  far 
as  he  could  do  so  consistent  with  his  duty.     He 


^iifiiwui  fjifnm^wm 


A   COLOSSAL   SOMERSAULT 


23 


caused  the  course  of  the  *'  Nautilus "  to  be 
shifted,  so  that  they  approached  within  a  third 
of  a  mile  of  the  nearest  iceberg,  which  then  was 
due  east. 

Sail  had  been  slackened  and  the  progress  of 
the  mass  was  so  slow  as  to  be  almost  impercep- 
tible. This  gave  full  time  for  its  appalling 
grandeur  to  grow  upon  the  senses  of  the  youths, 
who  stood  minute  after  minute  admiring  the 
overwhelming  spectacle,  speechless  and  awed  as 
is  one  who  first  pauses  at  the  base  of  Niagara. 

Naturally  the  officers  and  crew  of  the  "  Nau- 
tilus" gave  the  sight  some  attention,  but  it  could 
not  impress  them  as  it  did  those  who  looked 
upon  it  for  the  first  time. 

The  second  iceberg  was  more  to  the  north- 
ward, and  the  ship  was  heading  directly  toward 
it.  It  was  probably  two-thirds  the  size  of  the 
first,  and,  instead,  of  possessing  its  rugged 
regularity  of  outline,  had  a  curious,  one-sided 
look. 

"  It  seems  to  me,"  remarked  Rob,  who  had 
been  studying  it  for  some  moments,  "  that  the 


24 


AMONG  fHE   ESQUIMAUX 


j^ 


centre  of  gravity  in  that  fellow  must  be  rather 
ticklish." 

"It  may  be  more  stable  than  the  big  one," 
said  Fred,  "  for  you  don't  know  what  shape  they 
have  under  water ;  a  good  deal  must  depend  on 
that." 

Jack  Cosgrove,  the  sailor,  who  had  joined  the 
little  party  at  the  invitation  of  the  captain, 
ventured  to  say : 

"Sometimes  them  craft  get  top-heavy  and 
take  a  flop ;  I  shouldn't  be  s'prised  if  that  one 
done  the  same." 

"  It  must  be  a  curious  sight ;  I've  often  won- 
dered how  Jumbo,  the  great  elephant,  would 
have  looked  turning  a  somersault.  An  iceberg 
performing  a  handspring  would  be  something 
of  the  same  order,  but  a  hundred  thousand 
times  more  extensive.  I  would  give  a  good 
deal  if  one  of  those  bergs  should  take  it  into 
his  head  to  fling  a  handspring,  but  I  don't 
suppose — " 

"Look I"  broke  in  Fred,  in  sudden  excite- 
ment. 


A  COLOSSAL  SOMERSAULT 


25 


To  the  unbounded  amazement  of  captain, 
crew,  and  all  the  spectators,  the  very  thing 
spoken  of  by  Rob  C'^rrol  took  place.  The  vast 
bulk  of  towering  ice  was  seen  to  plunge  down- 
ward with  a  motion,  slow  at  first,  but  rapidly 
increasing  until  it  dived  beneath  the  waves  like 
some  enormous  mass  of  matter  cast  off  by  a 
plaiiet  in  its  flight  through  space.  As  it  disaj^- 
peared,  two-fold  as  much  bulk  came  to  view, 
there  was  a  swirl  of  water,  which  was  flung  high 
in  fountains,  and  the  waves  formed  by  the  com- 
motion, as  they  swept  across  the  intervening 
space,  caused  the  "Nautilus"  to  rock  like  a 
cradle. 

The  splash  could  have  been  heard  miles  away, 
and  the  iceberg  seemed  to  shiver  and  shake 
itself,  as  though  it  were  some  flurried  monster 
of  the  deep,  before  it  could  regain  its  full  equi- 
librium. Then,  as  the  spectators  looked,  behold  I 
where  was  one  of  those  mountains  of  ice  they 
saw  what  seemed  to  be  another,  for  its  shape, 
contour,  projections,  and  depressions  were  so 
different  that  no  resemblance  could  be  traced. 


li 


26 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


"She*s  all  right  now,"  remarked  Jack  Cos- 
grove,  whose  emotions  were  less  stirred  than 
those  of  any  one  else ;  "  she's  good  for  two  or 
three  thousand  miles'  voyage,  onless  she  should 
happen  to  run  aground  in  shoal  water." 

"  What  then  would  take  place.  Jack  ?"  asked 
Fred. 

"  Wal,.  there  would  be  the  mischief  to  pay 
gener'ly.  Things  would  go  ripping,  tearing, 
and  smashing,  and  the  way  that  berg  would 
behave  would  be  shameful.  If  anybody  was 
within  reach  he'd  ^et  hurt." 

Rob  stepped  up  to  the  sailor  as  if  a  sudden 
thought  had  come  to  him.  Laying  his  hand 
on  his  arm,  he  said,  in  an  undertone : 

"  I  wonder  if  the  captain  won't  let  us  visit 
that  iceberg?" 


CHAPTER  III 


AN   ALARMING  SITUATION 


The  boldness  of  the  proposition  fairly  took 
away  the  breath  of  the  honest  sailor.  He  stared 
at  Bob  as  though  doubting  whether  he  had 
heard  aright.  He  looked  at  the  smiling  youth 
from  head  to  foot,  and  stared  a  full  minute  be- 
fore he  spoke. 

"  By  the  horned  spoon,  you're  crazy,  younk- 
er !" 

"What  is  there  so  crazy  about  such  an  idea?" 
asked  Fred,  as  eager  to  go  on  the  excursion  as 
his  friend. 

Jack  removed  his  tarpaulin  and  scratched  his 
head  in  perplexity.  He  voided  a  mouthful  of 
tobacco  spittle  over  the  taffrail,  heaved  a  pro- 
digious sigh,  and  then  muttered,  as  if  to  him- 
self: 

"  It*s  crazy  clean  through,  from  top  to  bottom, 

27 


28 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


sideways,  cat-a-cornered,  and  every  way  ;  but  if 
the  captain  says  *  yes  '  I'll  take  you." 

Rob  stepped  to  where  the  skipper  stood,  some 
paces  away,  and  said : 

"  Captain  Mc Alpine,  being  as  this  is  the  first 
•time  Fred  and  I  ever  had  a  good  look  at  an  ice- 
berg, we  would  be  much  obliged  if  you  will 
allow  Jack  to  row  us  out  to  it.  We  want  to 
get  a  better  view  of  it  than  we  can  from  the 
deck  of  the  ship.  Jack  is  willing,  and  we  will 
be  much  obliged  for  your  permission." 

Fred  was  listening  breathlessly  for  the  reply, 
which,  like  Rob,  he  expected  would  be  a  curt 
refusal.  Great,  therefore,  was  the  surprise  of 
the  two  ^yhen  the  good-natured  commander  said  : 

"  The  request  doesn't  strike  me  as  very  sensi- 
ble, but,  if  your  hearts  are  set  on  it,  I  don't  see 
any  objection.  Yes,  Jack  has  my  permission  to 
take  you  to  that  mass  of  ice,  provided  you  don't 
stay  too  long." 

"  He's  crazy,  too  1"  was  the  whispered  excla- 
mation of  the  sailor,  who,  nevertheless,  was 
pleased  to  gratify  his  young  friends. 


HRHf 


AN  ALAKMING  SITUATION 


29 


The  preparations  were  quickly  made.  Fred 
had  heard  that  polar  bears  are  occasionally 
found  on  the  icebergs  which  float  southward 
from  the  Arctic  regions,  and  he  insisted  that 
they  ought  to  take  their  rifles  and  ammunition 
along.  Rob  laughed,  but  fortunately  he  fol- 
lowed his  advice,  and  thus  it  happened  that  the 
couple  were  as  well  supplied  in  that  i^^spect  as 
if  starting  out  on  a  week's  hunt  in  the  interior 
of  the  country. 

When  Jack  was  urged  to  do  the  same  he  reso- 
lutely shook  his  head,  and  then  turned  about 
and  accepted  a  weapon  from  the  captain,  who 
seemed  in  the  mood  for  humoring  every  whim 
of  the  yoi^thti  that  afternoon. 

"  Take  it  along.  Jack,"  he  said ;  "  there  may 
be  some  tigers,  leopards,  boa-coiistrictors,  and 
hyenas  prowling  about  on  the  ice.  They  may 
be  on  skates,  and  there  is  nothing  like  being 
prepared  for  whatever  comes.  Good  luck  to 
you  I" 

Rob  placed  himself  in  the  bow  of  the  small 
boat,  and  Fred  in  the  stern,  while  the  sailor, 


30 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


sitting  down  near  the  middle,  grasped  the  oars 
and  rowed  with  that  long,  steady  stroke  which 
showed  his  mastery  of  the  art.  There  was 
little  wind  stirring,  and  the  waves  were  so 
slight  that  they  were  easily  ridden.  The  sea 
was  of  a  deep  green  color,  and  when  the  spray 
occasionally  dashed  over  the  lads  it  was  as  cold 
as  ice  itself.  By  this  time  the  iceberg  had 
drifted  somewhat  to  the  southward,  but  its  pro- 
gress was  so  slow  as  to  suggest  that  the  two 
currents  which  swept  against  it  were  nearly  of 
the  same  strength.  Had  it  been  earlier  in  the 
day  it  would  probably  have  remained  visible  to 
the  "  Nautilus"  until  sunset. 

Meanwhile,  a  fourth  mass  rose  to  sight  in  the 
rim  of  the  eastern  horizon,  so  that  there  seemed 
some  truth  in  Rob's  suggestion  that  they  had 
run  into  a  school  of  them.  They  felt  no 
interest,  however,  in  any  except  the  particular 
specimen  before  them. 

How  it  grew  upon  them  as  they  neared  it  I 
It  seemed  to  spread  right  and  left,  and  to  tower 
upward  toward  the  sky,  until  even  the  reckless 


AN   ALARMING   SITUATION 


31 


Rob  was  hushed  into  awed  silence  and  sat 
staring  aloft,  with  feelings  beyond  expression. 
It  was  much  the  same  with  Fred,  who,  sitting 
at  the  stern,  almost  held  his  breath,  while  the 
overwhelming  grandeur  hushed  the  words 
trembling  on  his  lip. 

The  mass  of  ice  was  hundreds  of  feet  in 
width  and  length,  while  the  highest  portion 
must  have  been,  at  the  least,  three  hundred  feet 
above  the  surface  of  the  sea.  What,  therefore, 
was  the  bulk  below.  Its  colossal  proportions 
were  beyond  imagination. 

The  part  within  their  field  of  vision  was  too 
irregular  and  shapeless  to  admit  of  clear  de- 
scription. If  the  reader  can  picture  a  mass  of 
rock  and  debris  blown  from  the  side  of  a 
mountain,  multiplied  a  million  times,  he  may 
form  some  idea  of  it. 

The  highest  portion  was  on  the  opposite  side. 
About  half-way  from  the  sea,  facing  the  little 
party,  was  a  plateau  broad  enough  to  allow  a 
company  of  soldiers  to  camp  upon  it.  To  the 
left  of  this  the  ice  showed  considerable  snow  in 


32 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


its  composition,  while,  in  other  places,  it  was  as 
clear  as  crystal  itself.  In  still  other  portions  it 
was  dark  or  almost  steel  blue,  probably  due  to 
some  peculiar  refraction  of  light.  There  were 
no  rippling  streams  of  water  along  and  over  its 
side,  for  the  weather  was  too  cold  for  the  thaw- 
ing which  would  be  plentiful  when  it  struck  a 
warmer  latitude. 

But  there  were  ^.averns,  projections,  some 
sharp,  but  most  of  them  blunt  and  misshapen, 
steps,  long  stretches  of  vertical  wall  as  smooth  as 
glass,  up  which  the  most  agile  climber  could 
never  make  his  way. 

Courageous  as  Rob  Carrol  unquestionably 
was,  a  feeling  akin  to  terror  took  possession  of 
him  when  they  were  quite  near  the  iceberg.  He 
turned  to  suggest  to  Jack  that  they  had  come 
far  enough,  when  he  observed  that  the  sailor 
had  turned  the  bow  of  the  boat  to  the  right, 
though  he  was  still  rowing  moderately. 

He  was  the  only  one  that  was  not  impressed  by 
the  majesty  of  the  scene.  Squinting  one  eye  up 
the  side  of  the  towering  mass,  he  remarked  : 


AN   ALARMING  SITUATION 


33 


"  There's  enough  ice  there  to  make  a  chap*s 
etarnal  fortune,  if  he  could  only  hitch  on  and 
tow  it  into  London  or  New  York  harbor ;  but 
being  as  we've  sot  out  to  take  a  view  of  it,  why 
we'll  sarcumnavigate  the  thing,  as  me  cousin 
remarked  when  he  run  around  the  barn  to 
dodge  the  dog  that  was  nipping  at  his  heels." 

The  voice  of  the  sailor  served  to  break 
the  spell  that  had  held  the  tongues  of  the 
boys  mute  until  then,  and  they  spoke  more 
cheerily,  but  unconsciously  modulated  their 
voices,  as  a  person  will  do  when  walking 
through  some  great  gallery  of  paintings  or 
the  aisles  of  a  vast  cathedral. 

They  were  so  interested,  however,  in  them- 
selves and  their  novel  experience  that  neither 
looked  toward  the  "  Nautilus,"  which  was  rap- 
idly passing  from  sight,  as  they  were  rowed 
around  the  iceberg.  Had  they  done  so,  they 
would  have  seen  Captain  McAlpine  making 
eager  signals  to  them  to  return,  and,  perhaps, 
had  they  listened,  they  might  have  heard  his 
stentorian  voice,  though  the  moderate  wind, 
3 


34 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


blowing  at  right  angles,  was  quite  unfavorable 
for  hearing. 

Unfortunately  not  one  of  the  three  saw  or 
heard  the  movement  or  words  of  the  skipper, 
and  the  little  boat  glided  around  the  eastern 
end  of  the  mountainous  mass  and  began  slowly 
creeping  along  the  further  side. 

"Hello I"  called  out  Rob,  "there's  a  good 
place  to  land,  Jack ;  let's  go  ashore." 

"Go  ashore!"  repeated  the  sailor,  with  a 
scornful  laugh ;  "  what  kind  of  a  going  ashore 
do  you  call  that  ?" 

While  there  was  nothing  especially  desirable 
in  placing  foot  upon  an  iceberg,  yet,  boy-like, 
the  two  friends  felt  that  it  would  be  worth 
something  to  be  able  to  say  on  their  return 
home  that  they  had  actually  stood  upon  one  of 
them. 

Inasmuch  as  the  whole  thing  was  a  fool's 
errand  in  the  eyes  of  Jack  Cosgrove,  he 
thought  it  was  well  to  neglect  nothing,  so  he 
shied  the  boat  toward  the  gently  sloping  shelf, 
which  came  down  to  the  water,  and,  with  a 


AN   ALARMING   SITUATION 


35 


couple  of  powerful  sweeps  of  the  oars,  sent  the 
bow  far  up  the  glassy  surface,  the  stoppage 
being  so  gradual  as  to  cause  hardly  a  percep- 
tible shock. 

"Out  with  you,  younkers,  for  the  day  will 
soon  be  gone,"  he  called,  waiting  for  the  two  to 
climb  out  before  following  them. 

They  lost  no  time  in  obeying,  and  he  drew 
the  boat  so  far  up  that  he  felt  there  was  no  fear 
of  its  being  washed  away  during  theii*  absence. 
All  took  their  guns,  and,  leaving  it  to  the  sailor 
to  act  as  guide,  they  began  picking  their  way 
up  the  incline,  which  continued  for  fully  a 
dozen  yards  from  the  edge  of  the  water. 

"  This  is  easy  enough,"  remarked  Rob ;  "  if  we 
only  had  our  skates,  we  might — confound  it !" 

His  feet  shot  up  in  the  air,  and  down  he  came 
with  a  bump  that  shook  off  his  hat,  and  would 
have  sent  him  sliding  to  the  boat  had  he  not 
done  some  lively  skirmishing  to  save  himself. 
Fred  laughed,  as  every  boy  does  under  similar 
circumstances,  and  he  took  particular  heed  to 
bis  own  footsteps. 


86 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


Jack  had  no  purpose  of  venturing  farther 
than  to  the  top  of  the  gentle  incline,  since  there 
was  no  cause  to  do  so ;  but,  on  reaching  the 
point,  he  observed  that  it  was  easy  to  climb 
along  a  rougher  portion  to  the  right,  and  he  led 
the  way,  the  boys  being  mpre  than  willing  to 
follow  him. 

They  continued  in  this  manner  until  they  had 
gone  a  considerable  distance,  and,  ibr  the  first 
time,  the  ^'^'^'^  stopped  and  looked  around.  As 
he  did  so,  he  uttere a  an  exclamation  of  amaze- 
ment : 

"  Where  have  beoTJ  my  eyes  ?"  he  called  out, 
as  if  unable  to  comprehend  his  oversight. 

"What*s  the  matter?"  asked  the  boys, 
startled  at  his  emotion,  for  which  they  saw  no 
cause. 

"  There*s  one  of  the  biggest  storms  ever  heard 
of  in  these  latitudes,  bearing  right  down  on  us ; 
it'll  soon  be  night,  and  we  shall  be  catched  afore 
we  reach  the  ship,  lads !  there  isn't  a  minute  to 
lose ;  it's  all  my  fault." 

He  led  the  way  at  a  reckless  pace,  the  youths 


^ 


AN   ALAHMING   SITUATION 


37 


following  as  best  they  could,  stumbling  at  times, 
but  heeding  it  not  as  they  scrambled  to  their 
feet  and  hurried  after  their  friend,  more  fright- 
ened, if  possible,  than  he. 

He  could  out-travel  them,  and  was  at  the  bot- 
tom of  the  incline  first.  Before  he  reached  it, 
he  stopped  short  and  uttered  a  despairing  cry : 

"No  use,  lads!   the   boat  has    been    swept 


away 


>> 


Such  was  the  fact. 


CHAPTER  IV 


ADRIFT 


Jack  Cosgrove,  of  the  "  Nautilus,"  was  not 
often  agitated  by  anything  in  which  he  became 
involved.  Few  of  his  perilous  calling  had  gone 
through  more  thrilling  experiences  than  he,  and 
in  them  all  he  had  acquired  a  reputation  for 
coolness  that  could  not  be  surpassed. 

But  one  of  the  few  occasions  that  stirred  hira 
to  the  heart  was  when  hurrying  to  disembark 
from  the  iceberg,  in  the  desperate  hope  of  reach- 
ing the  ship  before  the  bursting  of  the  gale  and 
the  closing  of  night,  he  found  that  the  little 
boat  had  been  swept  from  its  fastenings,  and  the 
only  means  of  escape  was  cut  off. 

There  was  more  in  the  incident  than  occurred 
to  Rob  Carrol  and  Fred  Warburton,  who  has- 
tened after  him.  He  had  been  in  those  latitudes 
before,  and  the  reader  will  recall  the  story  Cap- 
tain McAlpine  told  to  the  boys  of  the  time  Jack 
88 


ADRIFT 


39 


was  one  of  three  who  escaped  from  the  col- 
lision of  the  whaling  ship  with  an  iceberg  in 
the  gloom  of  a  dark  night. 

Had  it  been  earlier  in  the  day,  and  had  no 
storm  been  impending,  he  could  have  afforded 
to  laugh  at  this  mishap,  for  at  the  most,  it  would 
have  resulted  in  a  temporary  inconvenience 
only.  The  skipper  would  have  discovered  their 
plight  sooner  or  later,  and  sent  another  boat  to 
bring  them  off,  but  the  present  case  was  a  hun- 
dred-fold more  serious  in  every  aspect. 

In  the  first  place,  the  fierce  disturbance  of  the 
elements  would  compel  Captain  McAlpine  to 
give  all  attention  to  the  care  of  his  ship.  That 
was  of  more  importance  than  the  little  party 
on  the  iceberg,  who  must  be  left  to  them- 
selves for  the  time,  since  any  effort  to  reach  them 
would  endanger  tlie  vessel,  the  loss  of  which 
meant  the  loss  of  everything,  including  the  little 
company  that  found  itself  in  sudden  and  dire 
peril. 

What  might  take  place  during  the  storm  and 
darkness  his  imagination  shuddered  to  picture. 


40 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


Had  the  boat  been  found  where  he  left  it  a 
short  time  before,  desperate  rowing  would  have 
carried  them  to  the  "Nautilus"  in  time  to 
escape  the  full  force  of  the  storm.  That  was  i  .n- 
possible  now,  and  as  to  the  future  who  couiU 
say? 

Tlie  rowboat,  as  will  be  remembered,  was  sim- 
ply drawn  a  short  distance  up  the  icy  incline, 
where  it  ought  to  have  remained  until  the  re- 
turn of  the  party.  Such  would  have  been  the 
fact  under  ordinary  circumstances,  for  the 
mighty  bulk  of  the  iceberg  prevented  it  feeling 
the  shock  of  any  disturbance  that  could  take 
place  in  its  majestic  sweep  through  the  Arctic 
Ocean,  except  from  its  base  striking  the  bottom 
of  the  sea,  or  a  readjustnent  of  its  equilibrium, 
as  they  had  observed  in  the  case  of  the  smaller 
berg.  It  might  crush  the  "  Great  Eastern  "  if 
it  lay  in  its  path,  but  that  would  haT^e  been  like 
a  wagon  passing  over  an  egg-shell. 

In  leaving  the  boat  as  related,  the  stern  lay 
in  the  water.  Even  then  it  wou^  1  ha^e  »>een 
secure,  but   for    the  agitation  caased  hy  the 


Ts&^m 


ADRIFT 


41 


V 


coming  gale.  That  began  swaying  the  rear  of 
the  craft,  whose  support  was  so  smooth  that  it 
speedily  worked  down  the  incline  and  floating 
into  the  open  water  instantly  worked  off  beyond 
reach. 

The  boys  knowing  so  little  what  all  this 
meant  and  what  was  before  them,  were  dis- 
posed to  make  light  of  their  misfortune. 

"By  the  great  horned  spoon,  but  that  is 
bad!"  exclaimed  Jack,  pointing  out  on  the 
water,  where  the  boat  was  seen  bobbing  on 
the  rising  waves,  fully  a  hundred  yards  away, 
with  the  distance  rapidly  increasing. 

It  seems  as  if  in  the  few  minutes  intervening, 
night  had  fully  descended.  The  wind  had 
risen  to  a  gale,  and,  even  at  that  short  distance 
the  little  craft  was  fast  growing  indistinct  in 
the  gathering  gloom. 

"  It  isn't  very  pleasant,"  replied  Rob,  "  but 
it  might  be  worse." 

*'  I  should  like  to  know  how  it  could  be 
worse,"  said  the  sailor,  turning  reprovingly  to- 
ward him ;  "  I  wonder  if  I  can  do  it." 


42 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


The  last  words  were  uttered  to  himself,  and 
he  hastily  laid  down  his  gun  on  the  ice  by  his 
side,     li)        e  began  taking  off  his  outer  coat. 

"What  iio  you  mean  to  do?"  asked  the 
amazed  Fred. 

"  I  believe  I  can  swim  out  to  the  boat  and 
bring  it  back,"  was  the  reply,  as  he  continued 
preparations. 

"  You  musn't  think  of  such  a  thing,"  pro- 
tested Rob  ;  "  the  water  is  cold  enough  to  freeze 
you  to  death.  If  you  can't  reach  it,  you  will 
have  to  come  back  to  us,  with  your  clothing 
frozen  stiff,  and  nothing  will  save  you  from 
perishing." 

"  I'll  chance  that,"  said  Jack,  who,  however, 
continued  his  preparations  more  deliberately, 
and  with  his  eye  still  on  the  receding  boat. 

He  was  about  to  take  the  icy  plunge,  in  the 
last  effort  to  save  himself  and  friends,  when  he 
stopped,  and,  straightening  up,  watched  the 
craft  for  a  few  seconds. 

"  No,"  said  he,  "  it  can't  be  done  ;  the  thing 
is  drifting  faster  than  I  can  swim." 


as 


ADRIFT 


43 


Such  was  the  evident  fact.  While  the  vast  mass 
of  ice,  as  has  been  explained  elsewhere,  was  un- 
der the  impulse  of  a  mighty  under- current,  the 
small  craft  was  swept  away  by  the  surface  cur- 
rent which  flowed  in  the  opposite  direction. 

Even  while  the  party  looked,  the  boat  faded 
from  sight  in  the  gloom. 

"  I  can't  see  it,"  said  Rob,  who,  like  the 
others,  was  peering  intently  into  the  darkness. 

"  Nor  I  either,"  added  Fred. 

"  And  what's  more,  you'll  never  see  it 
again,"  commented  Jack,  who  began  slowly 
donning  his  outer  garments ;  "  younkers,  I've 
been  in  a  good  many  bad  scraps  in  my  life,  and 
more  than  once  would  have  sworn  I  was  booked 
for  Davy  Jones'  locker,  but  this  is  a  little  the 
worst  of  'em  all." 

His  young  friends  looked  wonderingly  at 
him,  unable  to  understand  the  cause  of  such  ex- 
treme depression  on  the  part  of  one  whom  they 
knew  to  be  among  the  bravest  of  men,  and  in  a 
situation  that  did  not  strike  them  as  specially 
threatening. 


44 


AMONG  THE   ESQUTMAUX 


"  Don't  you  think  this  iceberg  will  hold  to- 
gether until  morning  ?"  asked  Rob. 

"It'll  hold  together  for  months,"  was  the 
answer,  "  and  like  enough  will  travel  hundreds 
of  miles  through  the  Gulf  Stream  before  it  goes 
to  nothing." 

"  Then  we  are  sure  of  a  ship  to  keep  us  from 
drowning." 

"  I  aint  meaning  that,"  said  Jack,  who  was 
rapidly  recovering  his  equanimity,  though  it  was 
plain  he  was  strongly  affected  by  the  woful  turn 
the  adventure  had  taken. 

"And,"  added  Fred,  '"Captain  McAlpine 
knows  where  we  are ;  he  will  remain  in  the 
neighborhood  until  morning — " 

"  How  do  you  know  he  will  ?"  broke  in  Jack, 
impatiently. 

"What's  to  hinder  him?"  asked  Fred,  in 
turn,  startled  by  the  abrupt  question ;  "  he 
knows  how  to  sail  the  'Nautilus,'  and  has 
taken  it  through  many  gales  worse  than  this." 

"  How  do  you  know  he  has  ?" 

"Gracious,  Jack,    I  don't   know  anything 


ADRIFT 


45 


about  it ;  I  am  only  saying  what  appears  to  me 
to  be  the  truth." 

"  I  don't  want  to  hurt  your  feelings,  lads,  but 
I  can't  help  saying  you  don't  know  what  you're 
talking  about.  A  couple  of  young  land  lubbers 
like  you  don't  see  things  as  they  show  them- 
selves to  one  who  was  born  and  has  lived  all 
his  life  on  the  ocean,  as  you  may  say.  I  don't 
mean  to  scare  you  more  than  I  oughter,  but  you 
can  just  make  up  your  minds,  my  hearties,  that 
you  never  was  in  such  a  fix  as  this,  and  if  you 
live  to  be  a  hundred  years  old  you'll  never  be 
in  another  half  as  bad." 

These  were  alarming  words,  but,  inasmuch 
as  Jack  did  not  accompany  them  with  any  ex- 
planation, neither  Rob  nor  Fred  were  as  much 
impressed  as  they  would  have  been  had  he  ex- 
plained the  grounds  for  his  extreme  fear.  What 
they  saw  was  an  enforced  stay  on  the  iceberg  until 
the  following  day.  Although  in  a  high  latitude, 
the  night  was  not  unusually  long,  and,  though 
it  was  certain  to  be  as  uncomfortable  as  can  well 
be  imagined,  they  had  no  doubt  they  would 
survive  it  and  live  to  laugh  at  their  mishap. 


CHAPTER  V 


AN   ICY  COUCH 


By  thitt  time  the  sailor  felt  that  he  had  for- 
gotten himself  in  the  agitation  caused  by  the 
loss  of  the  boat.  Although  he  might  see  the 
dark  future  with  clearer  vision  than  hia  young 
fi'ends,  it  was  his  duty  to  keep  their  sight 
veiled  as  long  as  he  could.  Time  enough  to  face 
the  terrors  and  their  direful  consequences  when 
the  possibility  of  avoiding  them  no  longer  existed. 

It  will  be  recalled  that  when  the  little  party 
stepped  out  from  the  small  boat  upon  the  ice- 
berg they  did  so  on  the  side  farthest  from  the 
"Nautilus,"  so  that  all  view  of  the  ship  was 
shut  off,  and  neither  Captain  McAlpine  nor  any 
of  his  crew  could  observe  the  action  of  Jack  and 
the  boys. 

The  skipper  had  warrant  for  supposing  that 
such  an  experienced  sailor  as  the  one  in  charge 
of  the  lads  would  be  quick  to  notice  the  threaten- 
46 


AN   ICY   COUCH 


47 


ing  change  in  the  weather,  and  would  make  all 
haste  to  return.  Inasmuch  as  he  had  failed  to 
do  so,  the  party  must  be  left  to  themselves  for 
the  time,  while  the  commander  gave  his  full 
attention  to  the  care  of  the  ship — a  responsi- 
bility that  required  his  utmost  skill,  with  no 
slight  cliance  of  his  failure. 

The  storm  or  squall,  or  whatever  it  might  be 
termed,  was  one  of  those  sudden  changes,  some- 
times seen  in  the  high  latitudes,  whose  coming 
is  so  sudden  that  there  is  but  the  briefest  warn- 
ing ere  it  bursts  in  all  its  fury. 
••  By  the  time  our  friends  reached  the  spot 
where  they  expected  to  find  their  boat  it  was 
almost  as  dark  as  night.  This  darkness  deep- 
ened so  rapidly,  after  losing  siglit  of  the  craft, 
that  they  were  unable  to  see  more  than  fifty  feet 
in  any  direction.  Fortunately,  before  leaving 
the  "  Nautilus,"  they  had  donned  their  heaviest 
clothing,  so  that  they  were  quite  well  protected 
under  the  circumstances.  Had  they  neglected 
this  precaution  they  must  have  perished  of  the 
extreme  cold  that  followed. 


48 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


Accompanying  the  oppressive  gloom  was  a 
marked  falling  of  the  temperature,  and  a  fierce- 
ness of  blast  which,  so  long  as  they  were  expose:", 
to  it,  cut  them  to  the  bone.  The  gale,  instead 
of  blowing  in  their  faces,  swept  along  the  side  of 
the  iceberg.  They  had  but  to  withdraw,  there- 
fore, only  a  short  distance  when  they  were  able 
to  take  shelter  behind  some  of  the  numerous  pro- 
jections, and  save  themselves  from  its  full  force. 

All  at  once  the  air  was  full  of  millions  of  par- 
ticles of  snow,  which  eddied  and  whirled  in  such 
fantastic  fashion  that  when  they  crouched  down 
they  were  so  blinded  that  they  could  not  see 
each  other's  forms,  although  near  enough  to 
clasp  hands. 

This  lasted  but  a  few  minutes,  when  it  ceased 
as  suddenly  as  it  began.  The  air  was  clear,  but 
the  gloom  was  profound.  They  could  see  noth- 
ing of  the  raging  ocean,  nor  of  a  tall  spire-like 
mass  of  ice,  which  towered  a  hundred  feet  above 
their  heads,  within  a  few  yards  of  them,  and 
which  had  attracted  their  admiration  on  their 
first  visit. 


AN  ICY  COUCH 


49 


It  was  blowing  great  guns.  The  sound  of  the 
waves,  as  they  broke  against  the  solid  abutment 
of  ice,  and  were  dashed  into  spray  and  spume, 
was  like  that  of  the  breakers  in  a  hurricane. 
Inconceivable  as  was  the  bulk  of  the  berg,  they 
plainly  felt  it  yield  to  the  resistless  power  of  tlie 
ocean.  It  acquired  a  slow  sea-saw  motion,  more 
alarming  than  the  most  violent  disturbance  they 
had  ever  known  on  the  "  Nautilus  "  in  a  storm. 
The  movement  was  slight,  but  too  distinct  to  be 
mistaken. 

For  some  time  the  three  huddled  together, 
under  the  protection  of  the  friendly  projection, 
and  no  one  spoke  a  word.  They  had  laid  down 
their  guns,  for  there  was  no  need  of  kr'^mng 
them  in  their  hands.  The  metal  was  60  in- 
tensely cold  that  it  could  be  noted  through  the 
protection  of  their  thick  mittens,  and  they 
needed  every  atom  of  vitality  in  their  shivering 
bodies.  They  pressed  closer  together  and 
found  comfort  in  the  mutual  warmth  thus 
secured. 

The  sky  was  blackness  itself  There  was  no 
4 


00 


amo::q  the  Esquimaux 


glimpse  of  moon  or  friendly  star.  They  were 
adrift  on  an  iceberg  in  darkness  and  gloom  in 
the  midst  of  a  trackless  ocean.  Whither  they 
were  going,  v;hen  the  terrifying  voyage  should 
end,  what  was  to  be  the  issue,  only  One  knew. 
They  could  but  pray  and  trust  and  hope  ar'l 
await  the  end. 

It  is  a  curious  feature  of  this  curious  human 
nature  of  ours  that  the  most  hopeless  depression 
of  spirits  is  frequently  followed  by  a  rebound, 
as  the  highest  spirits  are  quickly  succeeded  by 
the  deepest  dejection.  Our  make-up  is  such 
that  nature  reacts,  and  neither  state  can  con- 
tinue long  without  change,  unless  the  conditions 
are  exceptional.  Were  it  otherwise,  many  a 
strong  mind  would  break  down  under  its 
weight  of  trouble. 

The  three  had  remained  crouching  together 
silent  and  motionless  for  some  minutes,  no  one 
venturing  to  express  a  hope  or  opinion,  when 
Rob  Carrol  suddenly  spoke,  in  the  cheeriest 
tones. 

"  I'll  tell  you  what  we'll  do,  fellows."     . 


AW  ICY  COUCH 


ki 


"What's  that?"  asked  Fred,  quick  to  seize 
the  relief  of  hearing  each  other's  voices. 

"  Let's  start  a  fire." 

"  A  good  idee,"  assented  Jack  Cosgrove,  fall- 
ing into  the  odd  mood  that  hv  \  taken  possession 
of  his  companions  ;  "  you  gather  the  fuel  anc '. 
I'll  kindle  it.  It  happens  I  haven't  such  a 
thing  as  a  match  about  me,  but  I'll  find  a  way 
to  start  it." 

"  Rob  and  I  have  plenty,  but,  if  we  hadn't, 
we  could  rub  some  pieces  of  ice  together  till  the 
friction  started  a  flame." 

**  The  Esquimaux  have  another  plan,"  added 
Rob.  *'They  will  trim  a  piece  of  ice  in  the 
form  of  a  convex  lens  and  concentrate  the  sun's 
rays  on  the  object  they  want  to  set  on  fire. 
Why  not  try  that?" 

"  I  am  afraid  there  isn't  enough  sunlight  to 
amount  to  anything,"  replied  Fred,  craning  his 
head  forward  and  peering  through  the  gloom, 
as  if  searching  for  the  orb  of  day. 

"  That  isn't  the  only  way  of  getting  up  steam," 
remarked  Jack,  who,  just  like  his  honest  self, 


52 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


was  striving  to  dispose  of  his  body  so  as  to  give 
each  of  the  boys  the  greatest  jDOssible  amount 
of  warmth ;  "  I  know  a  better  one." 

"Let's  hear  it." 

"  Kace  back  and  forth  along  the  side  of  the 
berg  till  we  start  the  blood  circulating ;  nothing 
like  that." 

"  Suppose  we  should  slip,  Jack  ?" 

"Then  you'd  flop  into  the  sea;  it's  a  good 
thing  to  take  a  bath  when  your  blood  is  heated 
too  much." 

"  If  there  was  only  a  footpath  where  we  could 
do  that,  it  would  be  a  good  plan,"  observed  Rob, 
"  but,  as  it  is,  we  shall  have  to  huddle  together 
till  morning,  when  I  hope  Captain  McAlpine 
will  send  a  boat  after  us." 

The  boys  noticed  that  Jack  made  no  reply  to 
this.  They  expected  an  encouraging  response, 
but  he  remained  silent,  as  though  he  was  con- 
sidering difficulties,  dangers,  complications,  and 
perils  of  which  they  could  form  no  idea. 

Meanwhile  the  gale  raged  with  resistless  fury. 
There  was  no  more  fall  of  snow,  but  the  wind 


AN  ICY  COUCH 


53 


was  like  a  hurricane.  The  most  vivid  idea  of 
its  awful  power  was  gained  when  the  friends, 
far  removed  from  the  water's  edge,  and  at  no 
small  elevation  above  it,  felt  drops  of  spray 
flung  in  their  faces. 

The  thunder  of  the  surges,  shattered  into 
mist  and  foam  against  the  adamantine  side  of 
the  iceberg,  was  so  overpowering  that,  had  not 
the  heads  of  the  three  been  close,  they  would 
not  have  heard  each  other's  voices.  The  see- 
sawing of  the  colossal  mass  was  more  percep- 
tible than  ever,  and  caused  them  to  think,  with 
unspeakable  dread,  of  the  possibility  of  the  berg 
breaking  apart,  or  overturning  like  the  other, 
in  the  effort  to  preserve  its  equilibrium. 

The  gale  whistled  around  aid  among  the  pro- 
jections of  the  ice  with  a  Wfird,  uncanny  sound, 
alike  and  yet  different  from  that  heard  when  it 
moans  through  the  network  of  ropes  and  rig- 
ging of  a  great  ship.  The  question  was  whether 
such  a  vast  volume  of  wind,  impinging  against 
the  thousands  of  square  feet  of  ice,  would  not 
affect  the  course  and  speed  of  the  mass.     If  the 


1 


RoatvnnRT 


ii 


r 


11 
11 


if 


i'. 


! 


ii 


ll: 


II 


54 


AMONG   THE  ESQUIMAUX 


hurricane  drove  in  the  same  direction  as  the 
controlling  current^  it  ought  to  be  of  much  help. 
If  opposed,  it  might  check  it ;  if  quartering,  it 
might  make  a  radical  change  in  its  course. 

All  these  speculation-}  were  in  vain,  however, 
and,  as  has  been  said,  there  was  nothing  to  be 
done,  but  to  wait  and  tri.ist  in  the  only  One  who 
could  help  them,  luid  v^ho  had  been  so  merciful 
in  the  past  that  their  faith  in  His  goodness  and 
protecting  care  could  not  be  sliaken. 

"  My  lads,"  said  Jack,  when  the  silence 
which  followed  their  brief  conversation  had 
lasted  some  minutes,  "  there's  only  one  thing  to 
do,  and  that's  to  make  ourselves  as  comtbrtable 
as  we  can  where  we  are." 

"Isn't  that  what  we  are  doing?"  asked  "Rob. 

"  Of  course  it  is,  but  I  didn't  know  but  what 
you  was  trying  to  conjure  up  some  other  plan. 
If  so,  give  it  up,  say  your  prayers,  and  go  to 
bed." 


CHAPTER  VI 


MISSIiS'G 


It  IB  at  such  times  that  a  person  realizes  his 
helplessness  and  utter  dependence  on  the  great 
Father  of  all.  Too  much  are  we  prone  to  forget 
such  dependence,  when  all  goes  well,  and  too 
often  the  prayer  for  help  and  guidance  is  put 
off  until  too  late. 

It  was  a  commendable  trait  in  all  three  of 
the  parties  whose  experience  I  have  set  out  to 
tell  that  they  never  forgot  their  duty  in  this 
all-important  matter.  Rob  and  Fred  were  full 
of  animal  life  and  spirits,  and  the  elder  espe- 
cially was  inclined,  from  this  very  excess  of 
health  and  strength,  to  overstep  at  times  the 
bounds  of  propriety,  but  both  remembered  the 
lessons  loarned  in  infancy  at  the  mother's  knee, 
and  never  failed  to  commend  themselves  to 
their  heavenly  parent,  not  only  on  waking  in  the 
glad  morning,  but  on  closing  their  eyes  at  night. 

55 


56 


AMONG   THE  ESQUIMAUX 


Jack  Cosgrove  had  one  of  those  impres- 
sionable natures,  tinged  with  innocent  super- 
stition, which  is  often  seen  in  those  of  his 
calling.  His  faith  possessed  the  simplicity  of  a 
child,  and,  though  many  of  his  doings  might 
not  square  with  those  of  a  Christian,  yet  at 
heart  he  devoutly  believed  in  the  all-protecting 
care  of  his  Maker,  and  was  never  ashamed,  no 
matter  what  his  surroundings,  to  call  upon 
Him  for  help  and  guidance. 

And  so,  as  the  three  pressed  closer  together, 
adjusting  themselves  as  best  they  could  to  pass 
the  long,  dismal  hours  ere  the  sun  would  shine 
upon  them  again,  they  were  silent,  and  all,  at 
the  same  time,  communed  with  God,  as  fer- 
vently and  trustfully  as  ever  a  dying  Christian 
did  when  stretched  upon  his  bed  of  mortal  ill- 
ness. 

Had  they  possessed  a  blanket  among  them 
they  could  have  spread  it  upon  the  ice,  lain 
down  upon  it,  and,  wrapping  it  as  best  they 
could,  passed  the  night  with  n  fair  degree  of 
comfort.     That,  however,  was  out  of  the  ques- 


m 


MISSING 


67 


tion.  They,  therefore,  seated  themselves  under 
the  lee,  as  may  be  said  of  the  mass  of  ice,  which 
protected  them  against  the  gale,  their  bodies 
pressed  as  closely  together  as  well  could  be,  and 
in  this  sitting  posture  prepared  to  go  to  sleep, 
if  it  should  so  prove  that  the  blessing  could  be 
won. 

One  can  become  accustomed  to  almost  any- 
thing. An  abrupt  change  from  the  comfortable 
cabin  of  the  "  Nautilus  "  to  the  bleak  situation 
on  the  iceberg  would  have  filled  them  with  a 
dread  hardly  less  trying  than  death  itself ;  but 
they  had  already  been  in  the  situation  long 
enough  to  grow  used  to  it.  The  ponderous 
swaying  of  the  frozen  structure,  the  thunderous 
dash  and  roar  of  the  waves  against  its  base,  the 
screaming  of  the  gale  and  the  darkness  of  the 
arctic  night ;  all  these  were  sounds  and  sensa- 
tions which  in  a  certain  sense  grew  familiar  to 
them  and  did  not  disturb  them  as  the  hours 
passed. 

It  cannot  be  said  that  an  icy  seat  or  rest 
forms  the   most  comfortable  support  for  the 


68 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


body,  whose  warmth  is  likely  to  melt  the  frozen 
surface,  but  the  thick  clothing  of  the  party  did 
much  to  avert  unpleasant  consequences.  Had 
Jack  or  Rob  or  Fred  been  alone,  the  penetrat- 
ing cold  most  likely  would  have  overcome  him, 
but  as  has  been  shown,  the  mutual  warmth 
rendered  their  situation  less  trying  than  would 
be  supposed. 

When  an  hour  had  passed,  with  only  an 
occasional  word  spoken.  Jack  addressed  each  of 
the  boys  in  turn  by  name.  There  was  no  re- 
sponse, and  he  spoke  in  a  louder  tone  with  the 
same  result. 

"  They're  asleep,"  he  said  to  himself,  "  and 
I'm  glad  of  it,  though  the  sleep  that  sometimes 
comes  to  a  chap  in  these  parts  at  such  times  is 
the  kind  that  doesn't  know  any  waking  in  this 
world.  I've  no  doubt,  howsumever,  that  they're 
all  right." 

With  a  vague  uneasiness,  natural  under  the 
circumstances,  he  passed  his  hands  over  their 
faces  and  pinched  their  arms,  as  if  to  assure 
himself  there  was  no  mistake. 


i,.^l 


mm 


MISSING 


59 


The  boys  were  so  muffled  up  in  their  thick 
coats  and  sealskin  caps  that  were  drawn  about 
their  ears,  behind  which  the  collars  of  their 
coats  were  raised,  that  only  the  ends  of  their 
noses  and  a  slight  portion  of  their  cheeks  could 
be  felt.  He  removed  his  heavy  mitten  from 
one  hand,  and,  reaching  under  the  protecting 
covering  about  the  cheeks  and  neck,  found  a 
healthy  glow  which  told  him  all  was  well,  and, 
for  the  time  at  least,  he  need  feel  no  further 
anxiety,  so  far  as  they  were  concerned. 

"  Which  being  the  case,"  he  added,  drawing 
on  his  mitten  again,  and  making  sure  their 
coverings  were  adjusted,  "  I'll  take  a  little  trip 
myself  into  the  land  of  nod." 

But  this  trip  was  easier  thought  of  than  made. 
His  rugged  body,  with  its  powerful  vitality, 
would  have  soon  succumbed  to  drowsiness,  could 
his  mind  have  been  tree  of  its  distressing  fear 
for  the  two  young  friends  under  his  charge. 
But,  though  he  had  said  little,  he  knew  far  more 
than  he  dare  tell  them.  He  had  shown  his 
alarm  on  discovering  the  loss  of  the  boat,  but 


60 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


though  some  impatient  expressions  escaped  him, 
he  did  not  explain  what  was  in  his  mind. 

His  belief  was  that  before  morning  should 
come  the  "  Nautilus "  would  be  driven  so  far 
from  her  course  that  she  would  be  nowhere  in 
sight,  and,  towering  as  was  the  iceberg  in  its 
height  and  proportions,  it  would  be  invisible 
from  the  deck  of  the  ship,  or,  if  visible,  could 
not  be  identified  among  the  others  drifting 
through  the  icy  ocean.  Well  aware,  too,  he  was 
of  the  terrific  strength  of  the  gale  sweeping 
across  the  deep,  he  trembled  for  the  safety  of 
the  "  Nautilus "  and  those  on  board,  hardly 
less  than  he  did  for  himself  and  friends.  The 
hurricane  was  resistless  in  its  power,  and  would 
drive  the  ship  whither  it  chose  like  a  cockle-shell. 
Icebergs  were  moving  hither  and  thither  through 
the  darkness,  less  affected  by  the  wind  and 
waves  than  the  vessel,  and  a  collision  was 
among  the  possibilities,  if  not  the  probabilities. 

Inasmuch  as  the  "Nautilus"  was  likely  to 
go  down  under  the  fury  of  the  elements,  or,  if 
she  rode  through  it,  was  certain  to  be  too  far 


MISSING 


61 


removed  to  be  of  help  to  the  three,  the  question 
to  consider  was  what  hope  of  escape  remained 
to  the  latter. 

Although  vessels  penetrate  Baffin  Bay  and 
far  into  the  Arctic  Ocean,  they  are  so  few  in 
number  that  days  and  weeks  may  pass  without 
any  two  of  them  gaining  sight  of  each  other. 
A  shipwrecked  sailor  afloat  in  the  South  Sea,  on 
a  spar,  was  as  likely  to  be  picked  up  by  some 
trading  ship  as  were  Jack  and  his  companions, 
by  any  of  the  whalers  or  ships  in  that  high 
latitude. 

And  then,  supposing  they  did  catch  sight  of 
some  stray  vessel,  who  of  the  captain  and  crew 
would  be  looking  for  living  persons  on  board 
an  iceberg?  Why  would  they  give  the  latter 
any  more  attention  than  the  scores  of  the  moun- 
tainous masses  afloat  in  their  path  and  which  it 
was  their  first  care  to  avoid  ? 

If  a  ship  should  pass  so  near  to  them  that 
they  could  make  their  signals  seen  there  would 
be  hope ;  but  the  chances  of  anything  of  that 
kind  were  too  remote  to  be  regarded. 


62 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


ii 


Such  being  the  outlook,  where  was  there 
ground  for  hope  ?  They  were  beyond  sight  of 
the  Greenland  coast,  and  were  doubtless  drifting 
farther  away  every  hour.  Nothing  in  the 
nature  of  succor  was  to  be  hoped  for  from  land, 
and  the  brave-hearted  Jack  was  obliged  to  say 
to  himself  that,  so  far  as  human  eye  could  see, 
there  was  none  from  any  source.  Cold,  starva- 
tion, and  death  seemed  among  the  certainties 
near  at  hand. 

And  having  reached  this  disheartening  be- 
lief, he  closed  his  eyes  and  joined  his  young 
friends  in  the  land  of  dreams. 

Having  sunk  into  slumber,  the  sailor  was 
likely  to  remain  so  until  morning,  unless  some 
unexpected  circumstance  should  break  in  upon 
his  rest,  and  it  did. 

It  was  Rob  Carrol,  who,  probably  because  of 
his  cramped  position,  first  regained  conscious- 
ness. As  his  senses  gradually  came  back  to 
him,  and  the  thunder  of  the  surges  and  the 
shrieking  of  the  gale  broke  in  upon  his  brain, 
he  stretched  his  benumbed  limbs  and  yawned 


MISSING 


68 


in  an  effort  to  make  his  situation  more  com- 
fortable 

It  struck  him  that  there  had  been  a  change 
in  their  relative  positions  while  asleep.  Not 
wishing  to  awake  his  companions,  he  carefully 
shifted  his  limbs  and  body,  so  as  not  to  disturb 
them.  While  doing  so,  he  extended  his  hand 
to  touch  them. 

He  groped  along  one  figure,  which  he  knew 
at  once  was  Jack,  but  he  felt  no  other.  With  a 
vague  fear  he  straightened  up,  leaned  over,  and 
hastily  extended  his  arms  about  him,  as  far  as 
he  could  reach.  The  next  moment  he  roughly 
shook  the  shoulder  of  the  sailor,  and  called  out 
in  a  husky  voice  : 

"  Jack  I  Jack  I  wake  up !  Fred  is  gone  I" 


CHAPTER  VII 


A    POINT    OF    LIGHT 


Jack  Cosgrove  was  awake  on  the  instant. 
Not  until  he  had  groped  around  in  the  dark- 
ness and  repeated  the  name  of  Fred  several 
times  in  a  loud  voice  would  he  believe  he  was 
not  with  them. 

"  Well,  by  the  great  horned  spoon  I"  he  ex- 
claimed, "that  beats  everything.  How  that 
chap  got  away,  and  why  he  done  it,  and  where 
he's  gone  to  gets  me." 

"  I  wonder  if  he  took  his  gun,"  added  Rob, 
stooping  over  and  examining  the  depression  in 
the  ice,  where  the  three  laid  their  weapons  be- 
fore composing  themselves  for  sleep  ;  "  yes,"  he 
added  directly  after, "  he  took  his  rifle  with  him." 

As  may  be  supposed,  the  two  were  in  a 
frenzied  state  of  mind,  and  for  several  min- 
utes were  at  a  loss  what  to  do,  if,  indeed,  they 
could  do  anything.  They  knew  not  where  to 
64 


^0 


A   POINT   OF   LIGHT 


65 


w 


look  for  their  missing  friend,  nor  could  they 
decide  as  to  what  had  become  of  him. 

One  fearful  thought  was  in  the  minds  of 
both,  but  neither  gave  expression  to  it;  each 
recoiled  with  a  shudder  from  doing  so.  It  was 
that  he  had  wandered  off  in  his  sleep  and  fallen 
into  the  sea. 

Despite  their  distress  and  dismay,  they  noticed 
several  significant  facts.  The  wind  that  blew 
like  a  hurricane  when  they  closed  their  eyes, 
had  subsided.  When  they  stood  iip,  so  that 
their  heads  arose  above  the  projections  that  had 
protected  them,  the  breeze  was  so  gentle  that  it 
was  hard  to  tell  from  which  direction  it  came. 
It  would  be  truth  to  say  there  was  no  wind 
at  all. 

Further,  there  was  a  marked  rise  in  the  tem- 
perature. In  fact,  the  weather  was  milder  than 
any  experienced  after  leaving  St.  John,  and  was 
remarked  by  Rob. 

"  You  don't  often  see  anything  of  the  kind," 
replied  the  sailor ;  "though  I  call  something  of 
the  kind  to  mind  on  that  voyage  in  these  parts 


66 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


! 


1 


! 


in  the  *  Mary  Jane,'  which  was  smashed  by  the 
iceberg." 

But  their  thoughts  instantly  reverted  to  the 
missing  boy.  Rob  hud  shouted  to  him  again 
and  again  in  his  loudest  tones,  had  whistled 
until  the  echo  rang  in  his  own  ears,  and  had 
listened  in  vain  for  the  response. 

The  tumultuous  waves  did  not  subside  as 
rapidly  as  they  arose.  They  broke  against  the 
walls  of  the  iceberg  with  decreasing  power,  but 
with  a  boom  and  crash  that  it  would  seem 
threatened  to  shatter  the  vast  structure  into 
fragments.  There  were  occasional  lulls  in  the 
overpowering  turmoil,  which  were  used  both  by 
Rob  and  Jack  in  calling  to  the  missing  one,  but 
with  no  result. 

"  It's  no  use,"  remarked  the  sailor,  after  they 
had  tired  themselves  pretty  well  out ;  "  wherever 
he  is,  he  can't  hear  us." 

"  I  wonder  if  he  will  ever  be  able  to  hear  us," 
said  Rob,  in  a  choking  voice,  peering  around  in 
the  gloom,  his  eyes  and  ears  strained  to  the 
highest  tension. 


A   POINT   OF   LIGHT 


67 


"  I  wish  I  knew,"  replied  Jack,  who,  though 
he  was  as  much  distressed  as  his  companion, 
was  too  thoughtful  to  add  to  the  grief  by  any 
words  of  his  own.  "I  hope  the  lad  is  asleep 
somewhere  in  these  parts,  but  I  don't  know 
nothing  more  about  him  than  you." 

"  And  I  know  nothing  at  all." 

"  Can  you  find  out  what  time  it  is  ?" 

That  was  easily  done.  Stooping  down  so  as 
to  protect  the  flame  from  any  chance  eddy  of 
wind,  Rob  ignited  a  match  on  his  clothing  and 
looked  at  his  watch. 

"  We  slept  longer  than  I  imagined,  Jack ;  day- 
break isn't  more  than  three  or  four  hours  off." 

"That's  good,  but  them  hours  will  seem  the 
longest  that  you  ever  passed,  my  hearty." 

There  could  be  no  doubt  on  that  point,  as  af- 
fected both. 

"Why,  Jack,"  called  out  Rob.  "  the  stars  are 
shining." 

"Hadn't  you  observed  that  before?  Yes; 
there's  lots  of  the  twinklers  out,  and  the  storm 
is  gone  for  good," 


68 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


I 


Every  portion  of  the  sky  except  the  northern 
showed  the  glittering  orbs,  and,  for  the  moment, 
Rob  forgot  his  grief  in  the  surprise  over  the 
marked  change  in  the  weather. 

"  This  mildness  will  bring  another  change 
afore  long,"  remarked  Jack. 

"  What's  that  ?" 

"  Fogs.  We'll  catch  it  inside  of  twenty-four 
hours,  and  some  of  them  articles  in  this  part  of 
the  world  will  beat  them  in  London  town ; 
thick  enough  for  you  to  lean  against  without 
falling." 

As  the  minutes  passed,  with  the  couple  specu- 
lating as  to  what  could  have  happened  to  Fred 
Warburton,  their  uneasiness  became  so  great 
that  they  could  not  remain  idle.  They  must  do 
something  or  they  would  lose  command  of  them- 
selves. 

Rob  was  on  the  point  of  proposing  a  move, 
with  little  hope  of  its  amounting  to  anything, 
when  the  sailor  caught  his  arm. 


(( 


Do 


you 


see  that  ? 


>> 


The  darkness  had  so  lifted  that  the  friends 


t 


^ 


A  POINT  OF   LIGHT 


69 


could  distinguish  each  other's  forms  quite 
plainly,  and  the  lad  saw  that  Jack  had  extended 
his  arm,  and  was  pointing  out  to  sea.  The  fel- 
low was  startled,  as  he  had  good  cause  to  be. 

Apparently  not  far  off  was  something  resem- 
bling a  star,  low  down  in  the  horizon  and  glid- 
ing over  the  surface  of  the  deep.  Now  and  then 
it  disappeared,  but  only  for  a  moment.  At 
such  times  it  was  evidently  shut  from  sight  by 
the  crests  of  the  intervening  waves. 

It  was  moving  steadily  from  the  right  to  the 
left,  the  friends,  of  course,  being  unable  to  de- 
cide what  points  of  the  compass  these  were.  Its 
motion  in  rising  and  sinking,  vanishing  and 
then  coming  to  view  again,  advancing  steadily 
all  the  while,  left  no  doubt  as  to  its  nature. 

"  It's  the  *  Nautilus '  I"  exclaimed  Bob;  "  Cap- 
tain McAlpine  is  looking  for  us." 

"  That's  not  the  '  Nautilus,' "  said  Jack ;  "  for 
she  doesn't  show  her  lights  in  that  fashion. 
Howsumever,  it's  a  craft  of  some  kind,  and  if 
we  can  only  make  'em  know  we're  here  they'll 
lay  by  and  take  us  off  in  the  morning." 


! 


70 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


As  the  only  means  of  reaching  the  ears  of  the 
strangers  the  two  began  shouting  lustily,  vary- 
ing the  cries  as  fancy  suggested.  In  addition, 
Jack  fired  his  gun  several  times. 

While  thus  busied  they  kept  their  gaze  upon 
the  star-like  point  of  light  on  which  their  hopes 
were  fixed. 

It  maintained  the  same  dancing  motion,  all 
the  while  pushing  forward,  for  several  minutes 
after  the  emission  of  the  signals. 

"She  has  stopped'"  was  the  joyful  exclama- 
tion of  Rob,  who  postponed  a  shout  that  was 
trembling  on  his  lips ;  "  they  have  heard  us  and 
will  soon  be  here." 

Jack  was  less  hopeful,  but  thought  his  friend 
might  be  right.  The  motion  of  the  star  from 
left  to  right  had  almost  ceased,  as  if  the  boat 
was  coming  to  a  halt.  Still  the  sailor  knew 
that  the  same  effect  on  their  vision  would  be 
produced  if  the  vessel  headed  either  away  from 
or  toward  the  iceberg;  it  was  one  of  these 
changes  of  direction  that  he  feared  had  taken 
place. 


^ 


A    POINT   OF    LIGHT 


71 


J 


Up  and  down  the  light  bobbed  out  of  sight 
for  a  second,  then  gleaming  brightly  as  if  the 
obscuring  clouds  had  been  brushed  aside  from 
the  face  of  the  star,  which  shone  through  the 
intervening  gloom  like  a  beacon  to  the  wan- 
derer. 

"  Yes,  they  are  coming  to  us,"  added  Rob, 
forgetting  his  lost  friend  in  his  excitement; 
**  they  will  soon  be  here.  I  wonder  they  don*t 
hail  us." 

"  Don't  be  too  sartin,  lad,"  was  the  answer  .of 
the  sailor ;  "  if  the  boat  was  going  straight  from 
us  it  would  seem  for  a  time  as  though  she  was 
coming  this  way ;  I  b'lieve  she  has  changed  her 
course  without  a  thought  of  us." 

•They  were  cruel  words,  but,  sad  to  say,  they 
proved  true.  The  time  was  not  long  in  coming 
when  all  doubt  was  removed.  The  star  dwin- 
dled to  a  smaller  point  than  ever,  seemed  longer 
lost  to  view,  until  finally  it  was  seen  no  more. 

**  Do  you  suppose  they  heard  us  ?"  asked  Rob, 
when  it  was  no  longer  possible  to  hope  for  relief 
from  that  source. 


72 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


"  Of  course  not ;  if  they  haii  they  would  have 
behaved  like  a  Christian,  and  stood  by  and  done 
what  they  could." 

"  Ships  are  not  numerous  in  this  latitude,  and 
it  may  be  a  long  time  before  we  see  another." 

"The  chances  p*int  that  way,  and  yet  you 
know  there*s  a  good  many  settlements  along  the 
Greenland  coast.  It  isn't  exactly  the  place  I'd 
choose  for  a  winter  residence — especially  back 
in  the  country — but  there  are  plenty  who  like 
it." 

"  In  what  way  can  that  affect  us  ?" 

"  There  are  ships  passing  back  and  forth  be- 
tween Denmark  and  Greenland,  and  a  number 
v'yage  to  the  United  States,  and  I'm  hoping  we 
may  be  run  across  by  some  of  them —  Hark*!" 


! 


CHAPTER  Vm 

HOPE  DEFERRED 

A  HOARSE,  tremulous  sound  came  across  the 
ocean.  There  was  no  mistaking  its  character ; 
it  was  from  the  whistle  of  a  steamer,  the  one 
whose  light  led  them  to  hope  for  a  time  that 
their  rescue  was  at  hand.  It  sounded  three 
times,  and  evidently  the  blasts  were  intended  as 
a  signal,  though,  of  course,  they  bore  no  refer*, 
ence  to  the  two  persons  listening  so  intently  on 
the  iceberg. 

"  That  was  the  last  thing  I  expected  to  heai 
in  this  latitude,"  remarked  Rob,  turning  to  his 
companion. 

"  I  don't  know  why,"  replied  Jack ;  "  they 
have  such  craft  plying  along  the  Greenland 
coast.  What's  more,  I've  heard  that  same 
whistle  before  and  know  the  boat;  it's  the 
*  Fox.' " 

"  Not  the  *  Fox '  I  have  read  about  as  having 

73 


74 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


to  do  with  the  Franklin  expedition?"  said  the 
youth,  in  astonitshnient. 

"  The  identical  craft." 

"  You  amaze  me." 

Those  of  my  readers  who  are  familiar  with 
the  history  of  Arctic  exploration  will  recall 
this  familiar  name.  It  was  the  steam  tug  in 
which  sailed  the  party  that  succeeded  in  finding 
traces  of  the  ill-fated  Franklin  expedition  of 
near  a  half  century  ago.  It  afterward  came  into 
the  possession  of  the  company  that  owns  the 
cryolite  mine  at  Ivigtut,  and  is  now  used  to 
carry  laborers  and  supplies  from  Copenhagen  to 
that  place.  While  at  Ivigtut,  it  is  occasionally 
employed  to  tow  the  Greenland  ships  in  and 
out  of  the  fiord. 

Ah,  if  its  crew  had  only  heard  the  shouts 
and  signals  of  the  couple  on  the  iceberg,  how 
blessed  it  would  have  been  I  But  its  lights  had 
vanished  long  ago,  and,  if  its  whistle  sounded 
again,  it  was  so  far  away  that  it  could  not  reach 
the  listening  ears. 

The  restlessness  of  the  friends,  to  which  I  have 


HOPE   DEFERRED 


75 


referred,  now  led  them  to  attempt  a  search,  it  ir, 
may  so  be  called,  for  the  missing  Fred.  This 
of  necessity  was  vague  and  blind,  and  was  ac- 
companied with  but  a  grain  of  hope.  Neither 
had  yet  referred  to  the  awful  dread  that  was  in 
their  thoughts,  but  weakly  trusted  they  might 
find  the  poor  fellow  somewhere  near  asleep  or 
senseless  from  a  fall. 

Morning  was  still  several  hours  distant,  but 
the  clearing  of  the  air  enabled  them  to  pick 
their  way  with  safety,  so  long  ns  they  took  heed 
to  their  footsteps. 

"  I  will  go  down  toward  the  spot  where  the 
boat  gave  us  the  slip,"  said  Jack,  "  and  I  don't 
know  what  you  can  do,  unless  you  go  with  me." 

"  There's  no  need  of  that ;  of  course  I  can't 
make  my  way  far,  while  the  night  lasts,  but  I 
remember  that  we  penetrated  some  way  beyond 
this  place  before  camping  for  the  night;  I'll 
try  it." 

"  Keep  a  sharp  lookout,  my  hearty,  or  there'll 
be  another  lad  lost,  and  then  what  will  become 
of  Jack  Cosgrove  ?" 


76 


AMONG  THE  ESQtJIMAFX 


"  Have  no  fear  of  me,"  replied  Rob,  setting 
out  on  the  self-imposed  expedition. 

He  paused  a  few  steps  away  and  turned  to 
watch  the  sailor,  who  was  carefully  descending 
the  incline,  at  the  base  of  which  they  had 
landed. 

"  I  hope  he  won't  find  Fred,  or  rather  that 
he  won't  find  any  signs  of  his  haying  gone  that 
way,"  said  Rob  to  himself  with  a  shudder. 

As  the  figure  of  the  man  slowly  receded,  it 
grew  more  indistinct  until  it  faded  from  sight  in 
the  gloom.  Still  the  youth  looked  and  listened 
for  the  words  which  he  dreaded  to  hear  above 
everything  else  in  the  world. 

Jack  Cosgrove  received  a  good  scare  while 
engaged  on  his  perilous  task.  He  was  half-way 
down  the  incline,  making  his  way  with  the 
caution  of  a  timid  skater,  when,  like  a  flash, 
his  feet  flew  from  under  him,  and,  falling  upon 
his  back,  he  slid  rapidly  toward  the  waves  at 
the  base  of  the  berg. 

But  the  brave  fellow  did  not  lose  his  coolness 
or  presence  of  mind.   His  left  hand  grasped  his 


HOPE   DEFERRED 


77 


rifle,  and,  throwing  out  his  right,  he  seized  a 
projection  of  ice,  checking  himself  within  a  few 
feet  of  the  water  and  near  enough  for  the  spray 
from  the  fierce  waves  to  be  iiung  over  him. 

"  This  isn't  the  time  for  a  bath,"  he  muttered, 
carefully  climbing  to  his  feet  and  retreating  a 
few  paces ;  "  it  would  have  been  a  pretty  hard 
swim  out  there  with  my  heavy  clothing,  though 
I  think  I  could  manage  it." 

After  all,  what  could  he  hope  to  accomplish 
by  this  hunt  for  Fred  Warburton  ?  If  he  had 
wandered  in  that  direction  and  fallen  into  the 
sea,  he  had  left  no  traces  that  could  be  dis- 
covered in  the  gloom  of  the  night.  He  could 
not  have  gone  thither  and  stayed  there  that  was 
certain. 

The  sailor  having  withdrawn  beyond  the 
reach  of  the  waves,  sat  down  in  as  disconsolate 
a  mood  as  can  be  imagined.  A  suspicion  that 
Rob  might  follow  caused  him  to  turn  his  head 
and  look  over  his  shoulder. 

"  I  don't  see  anything  of  him,  and  I  guess 
he'll  stay  up  there ;  I  hope  so,  for  Jack  Cos- 


78 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


grove  isn't  in  the  mood  to  see  or  talk  with  any 
one  *cepting  that  lad  which  he  won't  never  see 
nor  talk  to  agin." 

Convincing  himself  that  he  was  safe  against 
a  visit  from  the  elder  youth,  the  sailor  bowed 
his  head,  and,  for  several  minutes,  wept  like 
one  with  an  uncontrollable  grief. 

When  his  sorrow  had  partially  subsided,  he 
spent  a  brief  while  with  his  head  still  bowed  in 
communion  with  his  Maker. 

"  I  don't  know  but  what  the  lad  is  luckier 
than  me  or  Rob,"  he  added,  reviewing  the  situ- 
ation in  his  mind  ;  "  for  we've  got  to  foller  him 
sooner  or  later.  It  isn't  likely  that  any  ship 
will  come  as  nigh  to  this  thing  as  the  *  Fox ' 
did  awhile  ago,  and  I  can't  see  one  chance 
in  ten  ten  thousand  of  our  being  took  off.  We 
haven't  a  mouthful  of  food,  and  there's  no  way 
of  our  getting  any.  After  a  time  we  will  have 
to  lay  down  and  starve  or  freeze  to  death,  or 
both.     Poor  Fred  has  been  saved  all  that — " 

He  checked  his  musings,  for  at  that  moment 
a  peculiar  sound  broke  upon  his  ear.  '  It  re- 


HOl'It:    DEFERRED 


79 


sembled  that  caused  by  the  exhaust  of  a  steamer 
at  low  pressure.  One  less  experienced  than  he 
would  have  been  deceived  into  the  belief  that 
such  was  its  source,  but  Jack  did  not  hold  any 
such  false  hope  for  a  minute  even.  He  under- 
stood it  too  well. 

It  was  made  by  a  whale  "  blowing."  One  of 
those  monster  animals  was  disporting  himself 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  iceberg,  and  the  sailor  had 
heard  the  same  sound  too  often  to  mistake  it. 

Shifting  his  position  so  as  to  bring  him  nearer 
the  sea,  he  stooped  and  peered  out  in  the  gloom, 
in  the  direction  whence  came  the  noise.  There 
was  enough  starlight  for  him  to  trace  the  out- 
line of  the  mountainous  waves,  as  they  arose 
against  the  sky,  though  they  were  dimly  de- 
fined and  might  have  misled  another. 

While  gazing  thus,  a  huge  mass  took  vague 
form.  It  was  the  head  of  a  gigantic  leviathan 
of  the  deep,  which  for  a  moment  was  projected 
against  the  sky  and  then  sank  out  of  sight  with 
the  same  noise  that  had  attracted  Jack's  notice 
iu  the  first  place. 


80 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


m 


'if? 


The  blowing  was  heard  at  iDtervals,  for 
several  minutes,  until  the  distance  shut  it  from 
further  notice. 

**  I  wonder  if  Rob  noticed  it,"  the  sailor  asked 
himself;  "  for  if  he  did,  he  will  make  the  mistake 
of  believing  the  '  Fox  '  has  come  to  take  us  off, 
and  we're  done  with  this  old  berg." 

But  nothing  vras  heard  from  the  youth,  and 
the  sailor  remained  seated  on  the  shelf  of  ice,  a 
prey  to  his  gloomy  reflections.  He  had  made 
up  his  mind  to  stay  where  he  was  until  the 
coming  of  day,  when  t)ie  question  of  what  was 
to  be  done  would  be  speedily  settled. 

Meanwhile,  he  wanted  no  company  but  his 
oivn  thoughts.  He  had  kept  up  with  the  elder 
youth,  and  carefully  withheld  his  fears  and  be- 
liefs from  him.  He  felt  that  he  could  do  so  no 
longer.  The  farce  had  been  played  out,  and 
the  truth  must  be  spoken. 

It  was  impossible  to  note  the  passage  of  time. 
Jack  carried  no  watch,  but  each  of  the  boys 
owned  an  excellent  timepiece.  He  probably 
fell  into  a  doze,   for,  when  be  roused  himself 


HOPE   DEFERRED 


81 


once  more,  he  saw  that  the  night  was  nearly 
over. 

"I  wonder  what  Rob  is  doing,'  he  said, 
rising  to  his  feet,  stretching  his  arms,  and  look- 
ing in  the  direction  where  he  expected  to  see 
his  friend ;  "  I  hope  nothing  hain't  happened  to 
him." 

This  affliction  was  spared  the  sailor,  for  while 
he  was  peering  through  the  increasing  light,  he 
caught  sight  of  the  figure  of  Rob  making  his 
way  toward  him. 

"Hello,  Jack,  have  you  found  anything?" 

"  No  ;  have  you  ?" 

'  I  think  I  have  :  come  and  see." 


§ 


CHAPTER  IX 

A   STARTLING   OCCURRENCE 

As  may  be  .supposed,  Jack  Cosgrove  wa«  all 
excitement  on  the  instant.  He  had  not  ex- 
pected any  such  reply,  and  he  was  eager  to 
learn  the  (-ause.  As  he  started  forward,  he  in- 
stinctively glanced  down  in  quest  of  evidence 
that  Fred  had  passed  there.  There  was  none 
so  far  as  he  could  see,  and,  if  there  had  been,  it 
is  not  likely  he  would  have  been  able  to  identify 
it,  since  all  the  party  had  been  over  the  amir- 
ppot,  and  some  of  them  more  than  once. 

"What  is  it?"  he  asked,  as  he  reached  his  friend. 

"It  may  mean  notliing,  but  a  little  distance 
beyond  where  we  camped  the  ice  is  broken  and 
scratched  as  though  some   one  has  been    that 


way 


>> 


ac< 


So  there  has,  we  were  there  yesterday  after- 


noon 


» 


(( 


I  haven't  forgotten  that,  but  these  marks 
d2 


«i 


A   STARTLING   OCCURRENCE 


83 


are  at  a  place  where  we  haven't  been,  that  is 
unless  it  was  Fred." 

"  How  did  you  manage  to  find  them  in  the 
dark  ?" 

"  I  didn't ;  I  groped  over  the  ice  as  far  as  I 
could,  and  then  sat  down  and  waited  for  day. 
I  must  have  slept  awhile,  but  when  it  was 
growing  light  I  happened  to  look  around,  and 
there,  within  a  few  feet  of  me,  on  my  right 
hand,  I  noticed  the  ice  scratched  and  broken,  as 
though  some  one  had  found  it  hard  work  to  get 
along.  I  was  about  to  start  right  after  him, 
when  I  thought  it  best  to  tarry  for  you.  It  is 
now  so  much  lighter  that  we  shall  learn  some- 
thing worth  knowing." 

Ev^en  in  their  excitement  they  paused  a  few 
miruites  to  gaze  out  upon  the  ocean,  as  it  was 
rapidly  illumined  by  the  rising  sun.  Before 
long  their  vision  extended  for  miles,  but  the 
looked-for  sight  was  not  there.  On  every  hand, 
as  far  as  the  eye  could  j)enetrate,  was  nothing 
but  (he  heaving  expanse  of  icy  water. 

Whether  they  were  within  a  comparatively 


84 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


short  distance  of  Greenland  or  not,  they  were 
not  nigh  enough  to  catch  the  fiist  glimpse  of 
the  coast. 

Several  miles  to  the  eastward  towered  an  ice- 
berg, apparently  as  large  as  the  one  upon  which 
they  were  drifting.  Its  pinnacles,  domes, 
arches,  plateaus,  spires,  and  varied  forms 
sparkled  and  scintillated  in  the  growing  sun- 
light, displaying  at  times  all  the  colors  of  the 
spectrum,  and  making  a  picture  beautiful  be- 
yond description. 

To  the  northward  and  well  down  in  the 
horizon,  was  another  berg,  smaller  than  the 
first,  and  too  far  off  to  attract  interest.  A  still 
smaller  one  was  visible  midway  between  the 
two,  and  a  peculiar  appearance  of  the  sea  in  the 
same  direction,  Jack  said,  was  caused  by  a  great 
ice  field. 

Not  a  ship  was  to  be  seen  anywhere.  Their 
view  to  the  southward  was  ex  duded  by  the 
bulk  of  the  iceberg,  on  which  they  were  floating. 

"  There's  nothing  there  for  us,"  remarked  Rob 
with  a  sigh. 


1 


A  STARTLING   OCCURRENCE 


85 


1 


"  You're  right  ^  lead  the  way  and  let's  see 
what  voii  found." 

It  took  them  but  a  few  minutes  to  reach  the 
place  the  lad  had  in  mind,  and  they  had  no 
sooner  done  so  than  the  saik)r  wa.<  certain  an 
important  discovery  had  been  made. 

Where  there  was  so  nuicli  irregularity  of 
shape  as  on  an  iceberg,  a  clear  description  is  im- 
possible ;  but,  doing  the  best  we  can,  it  may  be 
said  that  the  spot  was  a  hundred  feet  back  from 
where  the  three  huddled  together  with  an  ex- 
j)ectation  of  spending  the  night  until  morning. 
It  was  only  a  little  higher,  and  was  attained  by 
carefully  picking  one's  way  (/ver  the  jagged  ice, 
which  afforded  secure  footing,  now  that  day  had 
come. 

Adjoining  the  place,  from  which  the  party 
diverged  to  the  left,  was  a  lift  or  shelf  on  tlie 
right,  and  distant  only  two  or  three  |>aces.  it 
was  no  more  than  wuist  high,  and,  therefore, 
was  reudily  reached  by  any  one  who  chose  to 
clamber  upon  it. 

It  is  no  ea;sy  matt^^t*  trace  one  over  tL.    .-.x', 


\\ 


if 


-..  -^- 


iU4 


■|| 


' 


86 


AMOiVO   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


l:     i 


but  the  signs  of  which  Rob  had  spoken  were  too 
plain  to  be  mistaken.  There  were  scratches, 
such  as  would  have  been  made  by  a  pair  of 
shoes,  a  piece  of  the  edge  was  broken  oft',  and 
marks  beyond  were  visible  similar  to  those  which 
it  would  be  supposed  any  one  would  make  in 
chimbering  over  the  flinty  surface. 

Jack  stood  a  minute  or  two  studying  these 
signs  as  eagerly  as  an  American  Indian  miglit 
scrutinize  the  faint  trail  of  an  enemy  tlirough 
the  forest. 

"  By  the  great  horned  spoon  !"  he  finally  ex- 
claimed ;  "  but  that  does  look  encouraging ;  I 
shouldn't  wonder  if  the  chap  did  make  his  way 
along  there  in  the  night,  but  why  he  done 
it  onlv  he  can  tell.  Howsumever,  where  has  he 
gone  ! 

That  was  the  question  which  Rob  Carrol  had 
asked  himself  more  than  once,  and  was  unable 
to  answer.  The  ice,  for  a  distance  of  another 
hundred  feet,  looked  as  if  it  might  be  scaled, 
but,  just  beyond  that,  towered  a  perpendicular 
wall,  like  the  side  of  a  glass  mountain.     There 


A   STARTLING    OCCURUKNCE 


87 


could  be  no  progress  any  farther  in  that  direc- 
tion, nor,  so  far  as  could  be  judged,  could  any 
one  advance  by  turning  to  the  right  or 
left. 

There  must  be  numerous  depressions  and  cav- 
ities, suflficiont  to  hide  a  dozen  men,  and  it  was 
in  one  of  these  the  couple  believed  they  would 
find  the  dead  or  senseless  body  of  their  friend. 

"  Jack,"  said  Rob,  "  take  my  gun." 

"What  for?" 

"  I'll  push  on  ahead  as  fast  as  I  can  ;  I  can*t 
wait,  and  the  weapon  will  only  hinder  me." 

"  I've  an  idee  of  doing  something  of  the  kind 
myself,  so  we'll  leave  *em  here.  I  don't  think 
they'll  wash  away  like  the  boat,"  he  added,  as 
he  carefully  placed  them  on  the  shelf,  up  which 
they  proceeded  to  climb. 

But  Rob  was  in  advance  and  maintained  his 
place,  gaining  all  the  time  upon  his  slower  com- 
panion, who  allowed  him  to  draw  away  from 
him  without  protest. 

"  There's  no  need  of  a  chap  tiring  himself  to 
death,"  concluded  Jack,  as  he  fell   back   to  a 


88 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


I 


more  moderate  pace ;  "  he*s  younger  nor  me, 
and  it  won't  hurt  him  to  get  a  bump  or  so." 

Rob  was  climbing  with  considerable  skill.  In 
his  eagerness  he  slipped  several  times,  but  man- 
aged to  maintain  his  footing  and  to  advance  with 
a  steadiness  which  caused  considerable  admi- 
ration on  the  part  of  his  more  sluggish  com- 
panion. 

He  used  his  eyes  for  all  they  were  worth,  and 
the  signs  thut  had  roused  his  hope  at  first  were 
still  seen  at  intervals,  and  cheered  him  with  the 
growing  belief  that  he  was  on  the  right  track. 

"  But  why  don*t  we  hear  something  of  him  ?" 
he  abruptly  sisked  himself,  stopping  short  with 
shuddering  dread  in  his  heart ;  "  he  could  not 
have  remained  asleep  all  this  time,  and,  if  he 
has  been  hurt  so  as  to  make  him  senseless,  more 
than  likely  he  is  dead." 

The  youth  was  now  nearing  the  ice  wall,  to 
which  we  have  referred,  and  beyond  which  it 
looked  impossible  to  go.  The  furtive  glances 
into  the  depressions  on  his  right  and  left  showed 
nothing  of  his  loved  friend,  and  the  evidences 


A  STARTLING  OCCURRENCE 


89 


of  his  progress  were  still  iu  front.  The  solution 
of  the  singular  mystery  must  be  at  hand. 

Unconsciously  Rob  slowed  his  footsteps,  and 
looked  and  listened  with  greater  care  than  be- 
fore. 

"  What  can  it  mean  ?  Where  can  he  have 
gone?  I  see  no  way  by  which  he  could  have 
pushed  farther,  and  yet  he  is  not  in  sight — " 

He  paused,  for  he  d'scovered  his  error.  The 
path,  if  such  it  may  be  termed,  which  he  had 
been  following,  turned  so  sharply  to  the  right 
that  it  could  not  be  seen  until  one  was  upon  it. 
How  fur  it  penetrated  in  that  direction  remained 
to  be  learned. 

Rob  turned  about  and  looked  at  Jack,  who 
was  several  rods  to  the  rear,  making  his  way 
upward  with  as  much  deliberation  as  though  he 
felt  no  personal  interest  in  the  business. 

"  I'm  going  a  little  farther,  Jack,  but  1  think 
we're  close  upon  him  now.     Hurry  after  me !" 

"  Ay,  ay,"  called  the  sailor,  in  return  ;  "  when 
you  run  afoul  of  the  lad  give  him  my  love  and 
tell  him  I'm  coming." 


90 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


This  remark  proved  that  he  shared  the  hope 
of  Rob,  who  was  now  acting  the  part  of  pioneer, 
and  it  did  not  a  little  to  encourage  the  boy  to 
push  on  with  the  utmost  vigor  at  his  command. 

The  sailor  was  somewhat  winded  from  his  un- 
usual exertions,  and,  believing  there  was  no  im- 
mediate need  of  his  helj),  sat  down  for  a  fi'W 
minutes  to  reji^ain  his  breath. 

**  He'll  yell  the  moment  he  catches  sight  of 
anything,  and  he  can  do  that  so  well  that  he 
don't  need  any  help  from  me — by  the  great 
horned  spoon  !  what's  the  meaning  of  that?" 

Rob  Currol,  who  had  been  out  of  sight  but  a 
few  seconds,  now  burst  to  view  again,  the  picture 
of  terror.  He  was  plunging  toward  the  sailor 
with  such  desperate  haste  that  he  continually 
stumbled  and  bruised  himself.  But  he  instantlv 
scrani])lod  up  again,  glancing  in  mortal  fright 
over  his  shoulder,  and  barely  able  to  gasp  as  he 
dashed  toward  the  sailor : 

"  O  Jack  !  we're  lost  I  we're  lost  I  Heaven 
help  us  I" 


CHAPTER  X 


AN   UGLY    (CUSTOM  KH 


Rob  Carrol  had  good  cause  for  his  pjinlt*. 
Full  of  high  hope,  he  hurried  along  tlio  ice  he- 
tween  crags  which  shut  him  out  of  siglit,  for 
the  time,  from  Jack  Cosgrove,  wlio  was  resting 
himself  after  his  hard  climb.  The  youth  was 
thinking  of  no  one  and  notliing  else,  except  his 
friend  Fred  Warburton,  who  had  vanisiied  so 
mysteriously  the  night  before. 

The  signs  in  the  icy  track  he  was  following 
convinced  him  that  he  was  close  upon  the  heels 
of  his  chum,  who  could  not  have  wandered 
much  fiirther  in  advance.  His  hope  was  tinged 
with  the  deepest  anxiety,  for  it  was  impossible 
to  account  for  Fred's  long  absence  and  silence, 
except  upon  the  theory  that  some  grievous  in- 
jury had  befallen  him. 

The  searcher's  nerves  were  struni'  to  the 
highest  point,  and  he  was  pushing  forward  with 

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92 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


unabated  vigor,  when  his  heart  almost  stood  still, 
as  he  caught  a  peculiar  sound  among  the  masses 
of  ice. 

"  That's  Fred,"  he  concluded  ;  "  he's  alive, 
thank  God  !"  and  then  he  called  to  his  friend : 

"  Fred  !  Fred,  old  fellow,  where  are  you  ? 
Speak,  I  beg  of  you." 

The  words  were  trembling  on  his  lips,  when 
what  seemed  to  be  a  huge  pile  of  snow  just 
in  advance,  arose  from  the  ice  and  began  swing- 
ing toward  him. 

Paralyzed  for  the  moment  by  the  amazing 
sight,  and  wondering  whether  his  senses  were 
not  betraying  him,  Rob  stood  motionless,  as  if 
rooted  to  the  spot. 

But  the  next  minute  that  same  mass  of  snow 
assumed  more  definite  shape,  and  an  unmistak- 
able growl  issued  from  somewhere  within  the  in- 
terior. 

That  was  enough.  Rob  knew  what  it  was  that 
was  sweeping  down  upon  him  like  a  young  ava- 
lanche. He  had  almost  stumbled  over  a  huge 
polar  bear,  ravenous  and  fierce   with   hunger, 


AN   UGLY   CUSTOMER 


93 


and  with  a  courage  that  made  him  afraid  of 
neither  man  nor  beast. 

He  must  have  been  half  asleep  when  roused 
by  the  approach  and  the  voice  of  the  lad. 
Opening  his  great  eyes,  he  saw  before  him  a 
fine  breakfast  in  the  shape  of  a  plump  lad,  and 
he  proceeded  to  go  for  him  with  a  vim  and 
eagerness  that  would  not  be  denied. 

It  was  about  this  time  that  Rob  whirled  on 
his  heel  and  started  on  the  back  track,  with  all 
the  desperate  hurry  at  his  command.  It  will 
be  remembered  that  he  had  no  gun  with  him, 
he  and  Jack  having  left  the  weapons  on  the  ice 
a  considerable  distance  away.  Both  were  with- 
out any  means  of  defense,,  unless  the  sheath 
knife  which  the  sailor  always  carried  may  be 
considered  a  weapon,  and  the  only  possible  hope 
for  them  was  to  secure  their  rifles  before  the 
monster  secured  them. 

When  the  lad's  frenzied  cry  broke  upon  Jack, 
he  sprang  from  the  seat  where  he  had  been 
resting,  and  stood  staring  and  wondering  what 
it  all  could  mean.     He  saw  the  boy's  cap  fly 


94 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


from  his  head,  and  he  noted  his  terrified  glances 
behind  him.  The  next  moment  the  polar  bear 
plunged  into  sight,  and  the  sailor  grasped  the 
situation. 

Even  then  he  failed  to  do  the  wisest  thing, 
instead  of  realizing  that  but  one  course  could 
save  them,  and  that  was  by  dashing  back  to  the 
guns,  he  hastily  drew  his  knife  and  awaited  the 
coming  of  the  brute  with  a  view  of  checking  his 
attack  upon  the  lad. 

It  was  more  creditable  to  Jack's  chivalry  than 
to  his  sagacity  that  he  should  do  this  thing. 

Even  Rob,  despite  his  extreme  fright,  saw 
the  mistake  his  friend  was  making,  and  called 
to  him : 

"  Quick,  Jack  I  Get  the  guns  and  shoot 
him !" 

"  I  shouldn't  wonder  now  if  that  was  a  good 
idea,"  reflected  the  sailor,  shoving  his  knife 
back,  and  whirling  about  to  do  as  urged. 

The  situation  was  so  critical  that  even  his 
sluggish  blood  was  stirred,  and  he  never  moved 
so  fast  as  he  did  for  the  succeeding  seconds. 


•  ■0 


AN   U»LY   CUSTOMER 


95 


Indeed,  it  was  altogether  too  fyst,  for  he  fell 
headlong  with  such  violence  that  he  was  par- 
tially stunned,  and  by  the  time  he  regained  his 
feet  Rob  was  upon  him. 

Meanwhile  the  polar  bear  was  making  matters 
lively.  He  was  hustling  for  his  breakfast,  and 
he  kept  things  on  the  jump.  He  was  at  home 
amid  the  snow  and  ice,  and,  with  little  effort, 
got  forward  faster  than  the  fugitives  possibly 
could ;  he  was  overhauling  Hob  hand  over 
hand. 

To  continue  his  flight,  even  for  L\e  brief  re- 
maining distance,  was  to  insure  his  certain 
death.  Rob  saw  him,  and,  when  the  ponderous 
beast  was  almost  upon  him,  he  -made  a  desperate 
leap  from  the  icy  path,  landing  on  his  hands 
and  knees  several  feet  to  the  left,  and  instantly 
scrambling  up  again. 

The  manoeuvre  was  so  unexpected  by  the 
pursuer  that  he  passed  several  paces  beyond  be- 
fore he  could  stop.  Turning  his  head,  with  his 
huge  jaws  so  far  apart  that  his  red  tongue  and 
long  white  teeth  showed,  he '  prepared  to  con- 


96 


AMONG   THE   ES<JUIMAUX 


tinue  his  pursuit  of  the  lad  who  had  escaped 
him  for  the  moment  by  such  an  exceedingly 
narrow  chance. 

But  it  so  happened  that  Jack  Cosgrove  just 
then  was  also  climbing  to  his  feet  from  his 
thumping  fall,  and,  being  but  a  short  way  from 
the  brute,  he  drew  his  attention  to  himself. 

The  bear's  appetite  was  in  that  rugged  state 
that  lie  was  not  particular  as  to  whether  his 
meal  was  made  from  a  boy  or  full-grown  man, 
and,  since  the  latter  was  within  most  convenient 
reach,  he  shifted  his  design  to  him. 

"  By  the  great  horned  spoon  !"  muttered  the 
sailor,  quick  to  see  how  matters  had  turned ; 
"  but  it's  Jack  Cosgrove  that  is  to  have  all  this 
fun  to  himself,  and  he's  enjoying  it." 

The  single  recourse  still  presented  itself; 
nothing  could  be  done  to  check  the  furious 
beast  until  one  of  the  rifles  was  turned  against 
him,  but  it  did  seem  for  a  time  as  if  fate  itself 
was  fighting  in  favor  of  the  brute. 

Jack's  tumble  and  flurry  had  so  mixed  him 
up  thnt  the  rifles  were  forgotten,  until  he  took 


AN    UGLY   CUSTOMER 


97 


several  steps  on  his  flight,  when  he  recalled  the 
fatal  oversight,  and  hastily  turned  to  rectify  it ; 
but  the  precious  moments  wasted  made  it  too 
late.  The  bear  was  actually  between  him  and 
the  weapons,  and,  to  attempt  to  reach  them,  ex- 
cept by  a  roundabout  course,  was  to  fling  him- 
self into  the  embrace  of  those  resistless  claws. 

He  was  too  wise  to  attempt  it.  The  first 
thing  to  do  was  to  get  hinself  out  of  reach  of 
the  terror  that  was  bearing  down  upon  him  with 
the  certainty  of  death. 

"  If  there  was  only  a  tree  that  I  could  climb," 
he  reflected,  leaping,  tumbling,  and  laboring 
forward  as  best  he  could  ;  "  he  couldn't  nab  me, 
but  I  don't  see  any  tree,  and  that  chap's  hungry 
enough  to  eat  a  stewed  anchor." 

In  the  fearful  hurry  and  panic  some  moments 
passed  before  Rob  Carrol  comprehended  the 
abrupt  change  in  the  plan  of  campaign.  At  the 
mor^'^nt  he  expected  to  feel  the  claw  of  the  brute, 
he  looked  back  and  saw  he  was  pressing  Jack 
hard.  Furthermore,  the  latter,  instead  of  hurry- 
ing for  the  guns,  was  drawing  away  from  them.. 
7 


9B 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


That  was  a  bad  outlook,  but  it  suggested  to 
the  youth  that  the  chance  had  come  for  him  to 
do  something  effective. 

He  lost  no  time  in  seizing  the  chance.  He 
turned  again  in  his  course,  and  moved  around 
toward  the  spot  where  the  weapons  had  been  left 
near  at  hand.  Could  he  have  been  sure  of  a  few 
minutes  there  would  have  been  no  trouble  in  man- 
aging it,  but  events  were  going  with  such  a  rush 
that  there  was  not  a  spare  second  at  command. 

The  guns  being  near  and  lower  in  elevation 
than  themselves,  were  in  plain  sight.  Rob  saw 
the  barrels  and  the  iron  work  gleaming  in  the 
morning  sunlight,  so  that  he  could  make  no 
mistake  in  locating  them,  but  his  attention  was 
so  riveted  on  the  prizes  that  he  paid  no  heed  to 
his  footsteps,  or,  rather,  he  paid  less  heed  than 
was  necessary. 

He  was  within  fifty  feet, and  was  counting  upon 
the  quickness  with  which  he  would  end  the  sport 
of  the  brute  when  he  discovered  that  he  was  on  the 
brink  of  an  irregular  depression  in  the  ice.  He 
tried  desperately  to  check  himself  or  turn  aside, 
but  it  was  beyond  his  ability  and  over  he  went. 


CHAPTER  XI 


LIVELY  TIMES 


Rob's  fall  was  not  far,  and  his  heavy  clothing 
saved  him  from  the  bruises  that  otherwise  might 
have  disabled  him.  He  stared  about  him  and 
saw  that  he  had  fallen  into  a  rough  depression 
of  the  ice  from  six  to  eight  feet  in  depth,  and 
of  about  the  same  diameter. 

"  Here's  a  go,"  he  reflected ;  "  I  wonder 
whether  the  bear  will  follow  me  here,  but  he's 
giving  his  full  attention  to  poor  Jack,  and  won't 
hunt  for  me  until  he  is  through  with  him." 

It  was  characteristic  of  the  lad  that,  knowing 
the  imminent  peril  of  his  friend,  he  should  feel 
more  anxious  about  him  than  himself.  All 
thought  of  the  missing  Fred  was  shut  out  for 
the  moment. 

The  first  thing  for  Rob  to  do  was  to  get  out 
of  the  hole  into  which  he  had  fallen.  He  did 
not  wait,  but,  throwing  off  his  outer  coat,  flung 

99 


100 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


it  upon  the  edge  of  the  depression,  and  then, 
leaping  upward,  caught  the  margin  with  his 
mittened  hands.  As  I  stated  at  the  heginning, 
he  was  a  fine  athlete,  hut  the  task  was  almost 
impossihle.  The  purchase  was  so  slight  that 
when  he  put  forth  his  strength  and  attempted  to 
draw  himself  upward,  hia  mittens  slipped,  as 
though  they  were  oiled. 

Then  he  snatched  off  the  mittens,  threw  them 
upon  his  coat,  and  again  made  the  attempt ;  he 
failed  as  hefore. 

"  I've  got  to  stay  here  while  the  bear  kills 
poor  Jack, '  was  his  despairing  thought ;  "  I  can 
do  nothing,  when,  if  I  were  up  there,  I  could 
lay  hold  of  one  of  the  guns  and  save  him." 

The  reflection  was  so  bitter  that  he  could  not 
rest.  Walking  rapidly  around  the  depression, 
he  jumped  upward  at  every  step  or  two  and  re- 
peated the  effort.  Failure  followed  failure,  and 
he  was  once  more  in  despair. 

Again  he  made  the  attempt,  and  his  hand 
struck  a  knob-like  projection,  which  afforded 
just  the  purchase  wanted.     Grasping  it  with  all 


LIVELY    TIMES 


101 


his  might,  he  quickly  drew  himsoif  upward,  and 
was  once  more  on  what  might  be  considered  the 
surface  proper  of  the  iceberg. 

At  the  moment  of  climbing  into  sight  he 
heard  the  report  of  a  gun. 

"  Ah,  Jack  has  managed  to  reach  his  rifle, 
and  has  given  the  brute  a  shot — no,  he  hasn't, 
either  I" 

To  his  unbounded  amazement,  he  saw  the 
sailor  fleeing  and  dodging  for  life,  with  the  bear 
still  at  his  heels.  But  he  had  no  gun  in  his 
hand,  and,  casting  his  eye  below  him,  Rob  ob- 
served both  weapons  lying  where  they  were 
placed  by  the  owners  a  short  time  before. 

Who  had  fired  that  gun  whose  report  he  just 
heard  ? 

It  was  an  absorbing  question,  indeed,  but 
there  was  no  time  just  then  to  give  it  a  thought. 
Rob  was  much  nearer  the  rifles  than  either  Jack 
or  the  bear,  and  he  now  hastened  thither,  taking 
care  that  his  last  mishap  was  not  repeated. 

From  what  has  been  told  it  will  be  under- 
stood that  Jack  Cosgrove  found  no  time  for  the 


233304 


i02 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


grass  to  grow  under  his  feet.  He  had  pulled 
himself  through  many  a  narrow  peril,  but  be 
was  sure  he  was  never  quite  so  hard  pressed  as 
now.  He  tried  dodging  and  sudden  turns  in 
the  line  of  his  flight,  and  doubtless  saved  him- 
self more  than  once  by  such  means;  but  the 
discouraging  fact  was  ever  with  him  that  his 
relentless  enemy  could  travel  tenfold  faster  and 
better  than  he  over  the  ice,  and  sooner  or  later 
was  certain  to  run  him  down  unless  turned  aside 
by  some  one  else. 

Jack  naturally  wondered  what  had  become  of 
Rob,  who  was  so  active  only  a  short  time  before. 
His  furtive  glances  showed  him  nothing  of  his 
friend,  but  he  had  no  chance  to  speculate,  nor 
did  he  call  upon  him  for  help,  as  the  lad  had 
appealed  to  him  but  a  short  time  before. 

The  sorely  pressed  fugitive  drew  his  knife  to 
be  prepared  for  the  final  struggle  that  was  at 
hand.  He  had  met  polar  bears  before,  and  he 
knew  what  such  a  conflict  meant. 

He  was  wise  enough,  too,  not  to  postpone  the 
struggle  until  his  own  strength  was  exhausted 


LIVELY    TIMES 


103 


i 


by  running.  He  whirled  about,  when  tht  ^  'ute 
was  no  more  than  ten  feet  distant,  and  grasping 
his  knife  by  the  tip  of  the  blade,  drov  it  wiLli 
all  the  vicious  fury  at  his  command  straight  at 
the  head  of  the  bear. 

The  sailor  was  an  adept  at  this  species  of 
throwing,  and  had  often  given  exhibitions  of  his 
skill  on  shipboard.  It  was  not  to  be  expected 
that  he  could  kill  such  a  gigantic  animal  by 
flinging  his  sheath  knife  at  him,  but  it  sped  so 
true  and  with  such  power,  that,  striking  his 
neck,  it  inflicted  a.  deep  wound,  sinking  so  deep, 
indeed,  that  it  remained  in  the  wound. 

At  this  juncture  the  rifle,  whose  report  Rob 
heard,  was  fired.  The  sailor  supposed,  as  a 
matter  of  course,  that  Rob  discharged  it,  for 
there  could  be  no  doubt  the  bear  was  the  target. 
•The  bullet  struck  him  near  the  junction  of  the 
left  leg,  and  there  could  be  no  mistake  about 
his  being  hit  hard.  He  uttered  a  peculiar 
whining  moan,  stopped  for  the  moment,  and 
then  resumed  his  pursuit  with  such  a  marked 
limp  that  his  progress  was  perceptibly  decreased. 


•■  '  'V 


I'l 


104 


AMONG  THE   ESQtTlMAtTX 


i 

i 


Seeing  his  own  advantage,  Jack  was  wise 
enough  to  use  it.  In  his  desperation  he  had 
deprived  himself  of  his  only  weapon,  and  he 
was  defenseless.  But  with  a  limping  bear  lum- 
bering after  him,  and  with  the  short  respite  he 
had  gained,  he  fancied  he  could  hold  his  own 
in  a  foot-race.  So  he  wheeled  and  went  at  it 
again. 

By  this  time,  and,  indeed,  a  minute  before, 
Rob  had  reached  the  spot  where  the  two  guns 
lay,  and  with  both  in  his  grasp  he  set  off  in 
hot  haste  to  overtake  the  brute.  He  meant  to 
get  so  near  that  when  he  fired  there  could  be  no 
miss. 

To  his  exasperation,  he  stumbled  and  came 
within  a  hair  of  going  into  the  very  hole  from 
which  he  had  extricated  himself  with  so  much 
difficulty.  But  he  escaped,  and  finding  neither 
weapon  injured,  he  resumed  his  pursuit,  cheered 
by  the  apparent  fact  that  the  bear  was  no  longer 
able  to  gain  upon  the  fugitive. 

Jack  had  run  as  close  to  the  edge  of  the  ice- 
berg as  possible,  and  to  venture  nearer  would  be 


tiVELY    TIMES 


106 


at  the  imminent  risk  of  going  into  the  icy 
sea.  He  perforce  turned,  and  sped  in  the 
direction  of  the  lad,  who  was  hastening  to  his 
help. 

This  suited  Rob,  for  there  was  no  call  for  him 
to  continue  his  pursuit,  since  the  bear  was  ap- 
proaching "  head  on."  The  youth  stopped  as 
soon  as  he  saw  the  change,  and  prepared  to  close 
matters. 

The  opening  could  not  have  been  better,  and, 
dropping  one  rifle  at  his  feet,  Rob  steadied  him- 
self and  took  careful  aim  at  the  beast.  He 
pointed  the  gun  not  at  his  head,  but  at  a  point 
just  below,  hoping  to  reach  his  heart. 

He  saw  the  snowy  coat  stained  crimson  from 
the  wound  made  by  Jack's  knife,  and  he  limped 
heavily. 

"Look  out  you  don't  hit  me  I"  called  the 
panting  sailor,  whose  grim  humor  showed  itself 
at  the  most  inopportune  times. 

"  Get  out  of  the  way,  then  I"  called  Rob,  in 
turn ;  "  you're  right  in  front  of  me." 

Jack  dodged  to  one  side,  being  at  the  moment 


106 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


about  midway  between  his  friend  and  pursuer, 
and  less  than  twenty  feet  from  either. 

The  next  instant  the  lad  pulled  trigger. 

But  the  bear  did  not  stop,  and  showed  no 
evidence  of  having  been  so  much  as  harmed. 

"  You  missed  him,  you  lubber  I  Let  me  have 
the  other  gun,  and  show  you  how  to  bring  down 
game." 

-  There  was  no  time  for  any  such  proceeding, 
andj  dropping  the  discharged  weapon,  Bob  in- 
stantly stooped  and  caught  up  the  second. 

Jiist  then  another  gun  sounded  from  a  point 
higher  up  the  berg,  and  the  huge  brute  stopped. 
He  seemed  dazed,  and,  half-rearing  on  his 
haunches,  picked  at  the  wound,  as  though  he 
fancied  a  splinter  was  there,  which  he  could 
draw  from  his  flesh. 

"  He's  going  to  attack  us  with  the  knife !" 
called  Jack,  who  saw  that  the  danger  was  over  ; 
"  and  I  shouldn't  wonder  if  he  knows  how  to 
do  it  better  than  you  can  manage  your  gun." 

"  Keep  out  of  the  way.  Jack,  and  I'll  finish 
him." 


c 

H 
W 

H 
X 

!« 

tr.  O 
S    ^ 

•?   -^ 

» 
W 
to 

O 

c 
z 

o 

G 


Y'^'TWiaiqini 


J 


LIVELY    TIMES 


107 


Bob  had  brought  the  second  weapon  to  a 

level,  and  the  opening  was,  if  possible,  more 

favorable  than  before. 

Again  he  pulled  trigger,  and  this  shot  did  the 

business.     The  monster,  one  of  the  largest  and 

fiercest  of  his  species,  went  down  in  a  helpless 

mass,  and  expired  before  their  eyes. 

"  Hello,  you  chaps  would  be  in  a  pretty  scrape 
if  it  wasn't  for  me  !" 

Jack  and  Rob  turned  toward  the  point 
whence  the  voice  came  and  saw  Fred  Warburton 
hastening  toward  them  with  his  smoking  rifle  in 
hand. 


CHAPTEK  XII 


FEED  S  EXPERIENCE 


Both  Jack  Cosgrove  and  Eob  Carrol  could 
have  shouted  with  joy  at  the  sight  of  the  miss- 
ing boy,  and  the  sound  of  his  voice.  More  than 
once,  during  the  stirring  minutes  that  they  were 
trying  to  save  themselves  from  the  irrestraina- 
ble  bear,  they  thought  of  the  shot  that  was  fired 
by  neither  of  them,  and  which,  therefore,  they 
naturally  attributed  to  their  friend. 

The  second  shot  left  no  doubt  of  its  source, 
and  here  now  was  the  youth  hurrying  down  from 
some  point  near  where  the  brute  had  come, 
laughing  like  his  own  natural  self. 

It  need  not  be  said  that  his  hand  was  shaken 
heartily  by  the  sailor  and  his  companion,  and 
that  he  was  overwhelmed  with  questions  as  to 
his  singular  action. 

The  story  of  Fred  was  curious,  and  yet  it  had 
been  partially  discounted  by  his  chum. 
108  i 


feed's  bxpebiencb 


109 


It  was  not  to  be  supposed  that  he  would  leave 
the  comparative  comfort  he  enjoyed  when  hud- 
dled close  to  his  friends  without  good  cause,  and 
in  that  case  he  would  have  notified  them  of  his 
intention,  to  save  them  from  alarm. 

The  experience  of  the  day  disturbed  him, 
and  caused  him  to  dream  dreams  of  the  most 
vivid  nature.  Several  times,  during  the  preced- 
ing years,  he  had  walked  in  his  sleep,  and  his 
departure  from  the  camp,  as  they  called  it,  was 
as  unknown  to  himself  as  to  his  friends. 

It  was  evident  that  he  managed  the  business 
with  great  skill,  since  neither  of  the  others  was 
disturbed.  He  picked  up  his  gun  and  went  off 
in  the  direction  followed  by 'Rob,  clambering 
farther  up  the  side  of  the  iceberg  than  was  sup- 
posed possible. 

"I  think,"  said  Fred,  " that  I  can  read  the 
cause  for  what  I  did  while  unconscious.  You 
remember  we  had  much  to  say  about  the 
*  Nautilus  *  being  driven  out  of  sight  by  the 
gale,  and  I  recall  that,  before  going  to  sleep,  I 
wondered   whether  we  could  not  climb  to  a 


110 


AMONG   THE  ESQUIMAUX 


higher  portion  of  the  berg  and  signal  to 
them. 

"  I  suppose  that  was  what  set  my  mind  and 
muscles  to  work  when  unconscious,  and  im- 
pelled me  to  try  what  I  never  would  have  tried 
with  my  full  senses  about  me. 

"  When  I  came  to  myself  I  was  in  a  cavity 
in  the  ice,  where  the  protection  against  the  gale 
was  much  better  than  our  camp.  It  was  a 
regular  bowl  or  hollow,  which  would  have  been 
just  the  place  for  us  three.  But  daylight  had 
come,  the  weather  was  so  moderate  that  I  did 
not  suffer  from  cold,  and  there  was  nothing, 
therefore,  to  be  feared  from  that  cause. 

"  As  you  may  suppose,  it  took  me  sometime 
before  I  could  recall  myself,  but  I  was  not  long- 
in  suspecting  the  truth.  I  was  so  comfortable 
in  the  position  involuntarily  assumed  that  I  lay 
still  while  pondering  matters.  When  ready,  I 
was  on  the  point  of  rising,  when  I  heard  a 
slight  noise  on  the  ice  above  me. 

" '  That's  Jack  or  Rob,'  I  thought ;  '  they  are 
looking  for  me,  and  I  will  give  them  a  scare.' 


FRED  8   EXPERIENCE 


111 


"  I  lay  still,  expecting  one  of  you  to  pass  so 
close  that  you  would  discover  me,  but  though  I 
could  follow  the  movement  by  sound,  and 
though  the  object  passed  close  to  m«  it  was  not 
quite  close  enough  to  be  seen,  I  rose  softly  to 
my  feet  and  peered  over  the  edge  of  the  cavity 
ill  which  I  was  resting. 

"  Well,  Rob  was  startled  when  he  stumbled 
over  that  polar  bear,  but  he  was  no  more 
frightened  than  I,  when  I  discovered  that  in- 
stead of  it  being  one  of  you,  it  was  that  frightful 
brute  which  had  swulig  by  within  a  few  feet  of 
where  I  lay. 

"  You  can  see  the  curious  shape  of  matters. 
The  bear  had  come  from  some  point  beyond 
where  I  lay,  and,  making  his  way  down  the  ice, 
had  now  placed  himself  between  me  and  you. 
The  only  means  of  my  reaching  you  was  by 
passing  close  to  him.  That  meant  a  fight  to  the 
death. 

"  I  noticed  his  tremendous  size,  and  from 
what  I  have  heard  they  are  among  the  most 
dangerous  beasts  in  the  world — " 


112 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


"  You're  right  there,  my  hearty,"  interrupted 
Jack ;  "  if  there  was  ever  any  doubt  in  my 
mind,  which  there  wasn't,  it  was  settled  by  that 
little  scrimmage  awhile  ago." 

"  I  had  my  gun,  and,  at  first,  was  half-disposed 
to  take  a  shot,  but  the  chance  was  a  poor  one,  for  he 
was  walking  straight  away,  and  it  was  impossible 
to  do  more  than  sound  him.  That  would  render 
him  furious  and  cause  him  to  attack  me.  Our 
rifles  were  not  repeating  ones,  and  before  I  could 
get  another  charge  ready,  he  would  be  upon  me, 
and  it  might  be  that  several  well-aimed  shots 
would  be  necessary  to  finish  him." 

"  You  had  good  sense,"  said  Rob  ;  "  he  would 
have  made  mince-meat  of  you  in  a  fight." 

"  You  must  remember  that  while  I  could  see 
the  bear  from  where  I  peered  over  the  edge  of 
the  ice,  I  could  not  catch  the  first  sight  of  you. 
The  brute  seemed  to  be  following  some  sort  of  a 
path,  while  the  masses  of  ice  were  so  piled  upon 
both  sides  and  beyond  him  that  all  farther  view 
was  shut  off. 

**  While  I  was  watching  the  enormous  white 


fbed's  experience 


113 


body  swinging  along,  it  stopped,  and  then  to  my 
dismay,  he  turned  about  and  started  back. 

"  *  He's  coming  for  me  !'  was  my  conclusion, 
*  and  now  there  will  be  a  row  sure/ 

"  I  braced  mjself  to  receive  him,  but,  inas- 
much as  he  had  not  yet  seen  me,  and,  inasmuch 
as  he  had  once  passed  my  shelter,  without  dis- 
covering me,  there  was  hope  that  he  would  do 
the  same  again.  So  *  Brer  rabbit,  he  lay  low,* 
and  I  listened  for  him  to  go  by.  As  soon  as  he 
was  at  a  safe  distance,  I  intended  to  climb  out 
and  hurry  to  you.  We  three  ought  to  be  enough 
for  him,  and  I  had  no  fear  but  that  you  might 
manage  him  between  you  without  my  help." 

"That  was  my  opinion  at  that  time,"  added 
Fred,  with  a  twinkle  of  his  eye,  "  but  it  isn't 
now.  While  I  was  crouching  there  I  heard  you 
calling  me.  You  can  understand  why  I  didn't 
answer.  I  preferred  to  remain  mum  so  long  as 
that  bear  was  between  me  and  you  and  coming 
toward  me." 

"  We  did  a  lot  of  shouting  last  night "  said 
Rob. 

8 


114 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


"  That's  the  first  I  knew  of  it.  But  the  min- 
utes passed  without  the  bear  being  heard.  I 
listened  as  intently  as  I  knew  how,  but  no  sound 
reached  me, 

"  *  I  wonder  if  he  intends  to  promenade  back 
and  forth/  was  my  thought,  as  I  ventured  to 
peep  out  once  more,  with  great  caution  ;  *  this  is 
getting  interesting.' 

"  Well,  I  was  surprised  when  I  saw  him.  He 
was  less  than  a  dozen  yards  off,  and  lying  down, 
with  his  head  still  turned  away  from  me.  His 
action  was  just  as  if  he  had  le'arned  that  his 
breakfast  was  going  to  come  up  that  path,  and  he 
intended  to  wait  until  it  walked  into  his  arms." 

"And  that  is  pretty  nearly  what  I  did,"  said 
Rob,  with  a  smiling  glance  at  the  carcass. 

"  His  head  being  still  away  I  dared  not  fire, 
nor  would  it  have  done  for  me  to  call  to  you  or 
answer  your  signals.  It  was  plain  to  me  that 
he  had  no  suspicion  that  the  choicest  kind  of 
meal  was  right  near  him,  and  it  wouldn't  have 
been  wise  for  me  to  apprise  him  of  the  fact ;  it 
might  have  made  things  unpleasant  all  around. 


■I  i»i  iiBnii^rwi   I. 


FRED  S   EXPERIENCE 


115 


"You  needn't  be  told  what  followed.  I 
watched  him  a  few  minutes,  during  which  he 
was  as  motionless  as  the  iceberg  itself,  and  then 
r  settled  down  to  await  developments. 

"  While  seated,  of  course  I  saw  nothing  of 
him,  and  the  first  notice  I  received  of  what  was 
going  on  as  when  I  heard  Rob  shouting.  I 
sprang  out  of  my  shelter,  and,  as  you  will  re- 
member, saved  you  both  from  being  devoured 
by  the  monster.  Isn't  he,  or,  rather,  wasn't  he 
a  big  fellow  ?"  added  Fred,  stepping  over  to  the 
enormous  carcass  and  touching  it  with  his  foot. 

"  He's  the  biggest  I've  ever  seen,"  assented 
Jack,  "  and  I'm  thankful  that  we  got  off  as  well 
as  we  did.  It's  no  use  of  denying  that  your 
shots  helped  us  through." 

"  Possibly,  but  it  was  Rob  after  all  who  wound 
up  the  business,"  Fred  hastened  to  say,  lest  he 
might  be  thought  of  wishing  to  take  undue 
credit  to  himself. 

"  Ther':^*s  worse  eating,  too,  than  bear  meat." 

It  was  Jack  who  made  this  remark,  and  the 
others  caught  its  significance.    They  were  thus 


116 


AMO.^G   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


provided  with  the  means  of  living  for  a  long 
time  on  the  iceberg,  and  might  hope  for  some 
means  of  rescue  in  the  course  of  a  week  or  two. 

Rob  was  about  to  make  some  characteristic 
reply,  when  the  sailor  pointed  out  to  sea. 

"  Do  you  obsarve  that  ?"  he  asked.  "  It's 
just  what  I  was  afeared  of,  and  I  don't  like  it 
at  all." 


'm 


! 


CHAPTEE  XIII 


THE   FOG 


It  will  be  recalled  that  when  Jack  and  Rob 
awoke,  during  the  preceding  night,  they  noticed 
a  marked  change  in  the  temperature,  and  the 
sailor  prophesied  an  unwelcome  change  in  the 
weather.  Following  the  direction  pointed  by 
him,  his  friends  saw  what  he  meant.  The  rise 
had  caused  one  of  those  fogs  that  have  been 
fatal  so  often  to  ships  off  the  banks  of  New- 
foundland, and  which  frequently  wrap  the 
southern  coast  of  Gref^nland  in  a  mist  as  im- 
penetrable as  that  which  overshadows  at  times 
the  British  metropolis. 

"  You  see,"  added  Jack,  "  it  might  be  that 

some  whaler  or  other  vessel  is  cruising  in  the^e 

.latitudes,  and  will  come  close  enough  for  us  to 

observe  *em  and  they  us,  provided  the  sun  was 

shining,  but,  the  way  matters  are  turning  out, 

117 


118 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


they  might  pass  within  a  biscuit's  toss  'out  either 
of  us  knowing  it." 

"Well,"  was  the  philosophical  comment  of 
Fred,  "  we  have  so  much  to  be  thankful  for  that 
I  can't  complain  over  a  small  matter  like  that." 

"  It  may  be  a  bigger  matter  than  you  think, 
but  I'm  as  thankful  as  you,  all  the  same." 

"  Gracious !"  exclaimed  Rob,  with  a  sigh ; 
"  I'm  hungry." 

"  There's  your  supper." 

Both  boys,  however,  shook  their  heads,  and 
Rob  replied : 

"  I'm  not  hungry  enough  to  eat  raw  bear's 
meat." 

"  It's  a  thousand  times  better  than  starving  to 
death." 

As  the  sailor  spoke,  he  walked  to  the  carcass 
and  withdrew  his  knife  from  the  wound. 

"  You'll  come  to  it  bime-by ;  I've  seed  the 
time  when  I  was  ready  to  chaw  up  a  pair  of 
leather  breeches,  but  that  isn't  half  as  bad  as 
being  in  an  open  boat  under  the  equator,  with 
not  a  drop  of  water  for  three  days." 


I 


THE    FOG 


119 


"  We  can  never  suffer  from  that  cause  so  long 
as  this  iceberg  holds  out.  How  is  it  with  you, 
Fred  ?    Are  you  ready  for  bear  steak  ?" 

"  I  would  be  too  glad  to  dine  on  it,  if  there 
was  some  means  of  cooking  it,  but  that  is  out 
of  the  question.     I  think  I'll  wait  awhile." 

"J'll  keep  you  company,"  remarked  Jack, 
who  felt  no  such  repugnance  against  the  primi- 
tive meal,  but  was  willing  to  defer  the  feast  out 
of  regard  for  them. 

The  party  watched  the  fog  settling  over  the 
sea,  until,  as  the  sailor  had  told  them  it  would 
do,  it  shut  out  all  vision  beyond  a  hundred  feet 
cr  less. 

"  I  would  give  a  good  'deal  to  know  one 
thing,"  said  Fred,  after  several  minutes'  silence, 
as  he  seated  himself,  "  and  that  is  just  where  we 


>» 


are. 

"  I  can  tell  you,"  said  Rob. 

"  Where  ?" 

"  On  an  iceberg  in  the  Greenland  Sea.'* 

"  I  am  not  so  sure  of  that,  my  hearty,**  put 
in  Jack ;    "  there*s  no  doubt,   of  course,  that 


120 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


we're  on  the  berg,  but  I  wouldn't  bet  that  we're 
drifting  through  the  Greenland  Sea." 

"  Why,  the  *  Nautilus '  was  so  far  north  when 
we  left  it,  and  this  iceberg  was  moving  so  slowly 
that  we  couldn't  have  gone  as  far  as  all  that." 

Jack  saw  that  his  meaning  was  not  under- 
stood. 

"  What  I  was  getting  at  is  this :  Of  course, 
when  them  bergs  slip  off  into  the  ocean,  most 
of  them  start  southward  for  a  more  congen'l 
clime,  but  all  of  'em  don't  do  it  by  any  means. 
There  is  a  current  off  the  western  coast  of  Green- 
land which  runs  toward  the  North  Pole,  and  we 
may  be  in  that." 

"  But  this  extends  so  far  down  that  it  must 
strike  the  other  current,  which  flows  in  the  op- 
posite direction." 

"  That  may  and  may  not  be,  and  it  may  be, 
too,  that  if  it  does,  the  upper  current  is  the 
stronger.  I've  been  calling  to  mind  the  bearing 
of  the  ship  and  berg,  and  I've  an  idee  we're  go- 
ing northward.  Bime-by  the  berg  may  change 
its  mind  and  flop  about  and  start  for  New  York 


THE  FOG 


121 


or  South  America,  but  I  don't  believe  it's  doing 
so  now/'  . 

This  was  important  information,  provided  it 
was  true,  and  there  was  good  reason  to  believe 
that  Jack  Cosgrove  knew  far  better  than  they 
what  he  was  talking  about. 

"  Then  if  we  keep  on  we'll  strike  the  North 
Pole,"  remarked  Rob,  gravely. 

"  Yes,  if  we  keep  on,  but  we're  pretty  sure  to 
stop  or  change  our  course  before  we  get  beyond 
Davis  Strait  or  Christianshaab  or  Ivignut. 
Anyway,  this  old  berg  will  keep  at  it  till  she 
fetches  up  in  southern  waters." 

The  words  of  Jack  had  opened  a  new  and 
interesting  field  for  discusGiun.  Its  ending  had 
not  been  thought  of  by  the  boys  in  their  calcu- 
lations ;  and,  despHe  their  faith  in  their  more 
experienced  oorapaniori,  they  believed  he  was 
minti  ken.  They  had  never  heard  of  anything 
of  the  kind  he  had  mentioned,  and  it  did  not 
seem  reasonable  that  such  a  vast  mass,  after 
heading  southward,  should  change  its  direction. 
Even  though  it  was  drifting  north  when  first 


122 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


seen,  it  must  have  started  still  farther  north 
in  order  to  reach  the  latitude  where  first  ob- 
served. 

By  this  time  all  hope  of  being  rescued  by  the 
"  Nautilus,"  had  been  given  up,  unless  some 
happy  accident  should  lead  it  to  come  upon  the 
iceberg.  The  pai»ty,  therefore,,  began  consider- 
ing other  means  of  escape  from  their  unpleasant 
quarters. 

As  is  well  known,  there  are  a  number  of 
Danish  settlements  scattered  along  the  west 
coast  of  Greenland,  the  bleak,  desolate  eastern 
shore  being  inhabited  only  by  wandering  Esqui- 
maux. It  might  be  that  the  berg  would  sweep 
along  within  sight  of  land,  and  the  friends 
would  be  able  to  attract  the  attention  of  some 
of  the  native  fishing  boats,  or  possibly  larger 
•raft.  It  was  a  remote  hope,  indeed,  but  it  was 
iJl  they  saw  before  them.  At  any  rate,  the 
polar  bear  had  provided  them  with  the  means 
of  postponing  starvation  to  an  indefinite  period, 
for  there  was  enough  meat  in  his  carcass  to 
afiPord  nourishment  for  many  days  to  come. 


THE  FOG 


l^B 


iqui- 
eep 
lends 
(ome 
rger 
was 
the 
cans 
iriod, 
IS  to 


"  I  wonder  whether  there  are  more  polar  bears 
on  this  craft  ?"  remarked  Rob,  rising  to  his  feet 
and  looking  around  as  if  he  half  expected  to 
discover  another  of  the  monsters  making  for 
them. 

"  Little,  danger  of  that,"  replied  Jack,  "  and 
it^s  so  mighty  seldom  that  any  of  *em  are  fools 
enough  to  allow  themselves  to  be  carried  off 
like  this  one  did  that  I  never  dreamed  of  any- 
thing of  the  kind.  It  does  happen  now  and 
then,  but  not  often,  though  you  may  read  of 
such  things." 

"  I  suppose  he  would  have  stayed  here  until 
he  starved  to  death,"  was  the  inquiring  remark 
of  Fred. 

**  He  might  and  he  might  not ;  when  he  had 
got  it  through  his  skull  that  there  was  nothing 
to  eat  on  the  berg  he  would  have  plunged  into 
the  sea  and  started  for  land,  provided  it  was  in 
sight,  and  he  would  have  reached  it,  too.  When 
he  landed  he  would  have  been  hungry  enough 
to  attack  the  first  saw-mill  he  came  to,  and  I 
wouldn't  like  to  be  the  first  chap  he  met." 


' 


124 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


"  I  don't  see  how  he  could  have  been  fiercer 
than  he  was." 

"  He  meant  business  from  the  first ;  and,  if 
he  had  caught  sight  of  you  when  you  lay  asleep 
in  that  cavity  in  the  ice  he  would  have  swal- 
lowed you  before  you  could  wake." 

"  Well,  he  didn't  do  it,"  replied  Fred,  with  a 
half-shudder  and  laugh,  "  so  what's  the  good  of 
thinking  about  it?  Rob,  it  strikes  me,"  he 
added,  with  a  quizzical  look  at  the  boy,  "  that 
raw  bear's  meat  might  not  be  so  bad  after  all." 

"  Of  course  it  isn't !"  Jack  was  quick  to  say, 
springing  to  his  feet  and  stepping  forward,  knife 
in  hand. 

It  was  evident  from  the  manner  in  which  he 
conducted  the  business  that  he  had  done  it  be- 
fore. He  extracted  a  goodly-sized  piece  from 
near  the  shoulder,  and  dressed  it  as  well  as  he 
could  with  the  only  means  at  command. 

Rob  had  hit  upon  what  might  be  called  a 

compromise.     When   one  of  the  three  slices, 

,  into  which  the  portion  was  divided,  was  handed 

to  him,  he  struck  match  after  match  from  the 


THE   FOG 


125 


rubber  safe  he  carried,  and  held  the  tiny  flame 
against  different  portions  of  the  meat. 

Anything  like  cooking  was  out  of  the  ques- 
tion, but  he  succeeded  in  scorching  it  slightly, 
and  giving  it  a , partial  appearance  of  having 
seen  the  fire. 

"  There  !"  he  exclaimed,  in  triumph,  noiding 
it  aloft ;  "  it's  done  to  a  turn,  that  is  the  first 
turn.  It*s  cooked,  but  it's  a  little  rare,  I'll  ad- 
mit." 

Meanwhile,  Fred  imitated  him,  using  almost 
all  the  matches  he  possessed. 


CHAPTER  XIV 


A   COLLISION 


Jack  scorned  everything  of  the  kind,  and  he 
ate  his  piece  with  as  much  gusto  as  if  it  had 
passed  through  the  hands  of  a  professional 
cook.  The  boys  managed  to  dispose  of  con- 
siderable, so  that  it  may  be  said  the  little  party 
made  a  fair  meal  from  the  supply  so  unexpectedly 
provided  them. 

The  primitive  meal  finished,  the  three  friends 
remained  seated  and  discussed  the  future,  which 
was  now  the  all-important  question  before  them. 

"  How  long  is  this  fog  likely  to  last  ?"  asked 
Fred. 

"No  one  can  answer  that,"  replied  Jack; 
"  a  brisk  wind  may  drive  it  away,  a  rain  would 
soon  finish  it,  or  it  may  go  before  colder  weather, 
or  it  may  last  several  days." 

•*  Meanwhile  we  can  do  nothing  but  drift" 

"  That's  about  all  we  can  do  any  way,"  was 
126 


A   COLLISION 


127 


the  truthful  remark  of  the  sailor ;  "  we'll  make 
the  bear  last  as  long  as  we  can." 

"  I  think  he  will  last  a  good  while,"  observed 
Rob,  with  a  half-disgusted  look  at  the  carcass ; 
"  it  will  do  when  there's  nothing  else  to  be  had, 
but  I  never  can  fancy  it  without  cooking." 

At  that  moment  they  received  a  startling 
shock.  A  peculiar  shiver  or  jar  passed  through 
the  iceberg,  as  though  from  a  prodigious  blow 
that  was  felt  through  every  part — an  impossible 
occurrence. 

**  What  can  that  mean  ?''  asked  the  lads,  in 
consternation. 

"  By  the  great  horned  spoon  I"  was  the  reply 
of  the  frightened  Jack ;  "  I  hope  we  won't  feel 
it  again." 

"  But  what  is  it  ?" 

"  The  berg  scraped  the  bottom  of  the  sea  just 
then.    There  it  goes  again  I" 

A  shock,  fully  as  violent  as  before,  went 
through  and  through  the  vast  mass  of  ice.  It 
lasted  only  a  second  or  two,  but  the  sensations 
of  the  party  were  like  those  of  the  housekeeper 


128 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


i 


who  wakes  in  the  night,  to  feel  his  dwelling 
swaying  under  the  grasp  of  the  earthquake. 

None  needed  to  be  told  of  the  possible  conse- 
quences of  drifting  into  shallow  water.  If  the 
base  of  the  iceberg,  extending  far  down  into  the 
depths  of  the  ocean,  should  strike  some  project- 
ing mountain  peak  of  the  deep,  or  a  plateau,  the 
berg  was  liable  to  overturn,  with  an  appalling 
rush,  beyond  the  power  v  '^  mind  to  conceive. 
In  such  an  event  there  was  no  u^v.  "  chance  of 
the  party  saving  themselves  than  there  would 
be  in  the  crater  of  a  bursting  volcano. 

Well  might  they  look  blankly  in  each  other's 
fac^g,  for  they  were  helpless  within  the  grasp 
of  a  power  that  was  absolutely  resistless. 

They  sat  silent  and  waiting,  but,  as  minute 
after  minute  passed,  without  the  shock  being 
repeated,  hope  returned,  and  they  ventured  to 
speak  in  undertones,  as  though  fearful  that  the 
sound  of  their  voices  would  precipitate  the 
calamity. 

"  That  satisfies  me  I  was  right,"  said  Jack, 
compressing  his  lips  and  shaking  his  head. 


A  COLLISION 


129 


"  In  what  respect  ?"  asked  Fred. 

"  We're  drifting  toward  the  North  Pole,  and 
we  are  not  far  from  the  Greenland  coast." 

"But  are  there  net  shallow  places  in  the 
ocean,  hundreds  of  miles  from  land,  where 
such  a  great  iceberg  as  this  might  touch 
bottom  ?" 

"  Yes,  but  there  are  not  many  m  this  part  of 
the  world.  The  thing  may  swing  out  of  this 
current,  or  get  into  another  whi(;h  will  start  it 
southward,  but  I  don't  believe  it  has  done  it 

yet." 

"  Sailing  on  an  iceberg  is  worse  than  I  imag- 
ined," was  the  comment  of  Rob ;  "  I'm  more 
anxious  than  ever  to  leave  thid ;  it  isn't  often 
that  a  passenger  feels  like  complaining  of  the 
bigness  of  the  craft  that  bears  him  over  the 
deep,  but  that's  the  trouble  in  this  case.'*' 

"  If  the  capsize  does  come,"  said  Jack,  "  it 
will  be  the  end  of  us;  we  would  be  buried 
hundreds  of  fathoms  under  the  ice." 

"  There  can  be  no  doubt  of  that,  but  I  say. 
Jack,   isn't   there   something   off  yonder?    I 

9 


rr        ! 


130 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


can't  make  it  out,  but  it  seems  to  me  that  it  is 
more  than  the  fog." 

While  the  three  were  talking,  Fred  War- 
burton  was  seated  so  as  to  face  the  open  sea,  the 
others  being  turned  sideways  and  giving  no 
heed  to  that  point  of  the  compass. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  at  this  time  they 
were  inclosed  in  the  all-pervading  fog,  whicli 
prevented  them  seeing  as  far  as  the  length  of 
the  mountain  of  ice  on  which  they  were  seated. 
Turning  toward  the  water  and  peering  outward, 
they  saw  the  cause  of  the  boy's  question.  The 
vapor  itself  appeared  to  be  assuming  shape, 
vague,  indistinct,  undefined,  and  almost  in- 
visible, but  nevertheless  perceptible  to  all. 

The  sailor  was  the  first  to  see. what  it  meant. 
Leaping  to  his  feet  he  emitted  his  favorite  ex- 
clamation : 

"By  the  great  horned  spoon  I  it's  another 
berg  I" 

With  awful  slowness  and  certainty  the  mass 
of  fog  disclosed  more  and  more  distinctly  the 
misty  contour  that  had  caught  the  eye  of  Fred 


" 


A   COLLISION 


131 


ler 


AVjirburton.  At  first  it  was  like  a  pile  of  denser 
fog,  rolling  along  the  surface  of  the  sea,  Lut  "the 
outlines  became  more  distinct  each  moment, 
until  the  form  of  an  iceberg  was  clearly  marked 
in  the  wet  atmosphere. 

The  new  one  was  much  smaller  than  that 
upon  which  they  were  afloat,  but  it  was  of  vast 
proportions  for  all  that,  enough  to  crush  the 
largest  ship  that  ever  floated,  as  though  it  were 
but  a  toy  in  its  path. 

But  the  fearful  fact  about  its  appearance  was 
that  the  two  bergs  were  approaching  each  other, 
under  the  influence  of  adverse  currents ! 

A  collision  was  inevitable,  and  the  boys  con- 
templated it  with  hardly  less  dismay  than  they 
did  the  overturning  of  the  larger  one  a  short 
time  before. 

"  This  is  no  place  for  us !"  called  out  Jack, 
the  moment  after  his  exclamation i  "let's  get 
out !" 

He  started  up  the  path  from  which  the  polar 
bear  had  come,  with  his  young  friends  at  his 
heels.    They  did  not  stop  until  they  could  go  no 


^ 


,*». 


132 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


farther,  when  they  turned  about  and  shudder- 
ingly  awaited  the  catastrophe  that  was  at  hand. 

Their  withdrawal  from  the  edge  of  the  ice- 
berg to  a  point  some  distance  away  dimmed  their 
vision,  but  the  smaller  berg  was  easily  dis- 
tinguished through  the  obscurity. 

The  two  continued  to  approach  with  a  slow- 
ness that  could  hardly  have  caused  a  shock  in 
a  couple  of  ships,  but  where  the  two  masses 
were  so  enormous  the  momentum  was  beyond 
calculation. 

The  frightful  crisis  was  not  without  its  grim 
humor.  The  boys  braced  themselves  against 
the  expected  crash  as  if  in  a  raihvay  train  with 
a  co^b'sion  at  hand.  They  lost  sight  of  the  fact 
that  no  force  in  nature  could  produce  any  such 
sudden  jarring  and  jolting  as  they  appre- 
hended. 
,,The  two  bergs  seemed  to  be  lying  side  by 
ide,  within  a  few  inches  really,  but  without 
actually  touching. 

"  Why  don't  they  strike  ?"  asked  Rob,  lu  au 
awed  whisper, 


A  COLLISION 


133 


"  There  it  comes !"  exclaimed  Fred  ;  "  hold 
fast !" 

The  smaller  berg  was  seen  to  sway  and  bow, 
''  if  that,  too,  had  swept  against  the  bottom 
of  the  sea,  and  it  was  shaken  through  every 
part. 

But  amazing  fact  to  the  lads !  they  felt  only 
the  slightest  possible  tremor  pass  through  the 
support  upon  which  they  had  steadied  themselves 
against  the  expected  shock. 

The  rfuialler  berg  acted  like  some  monster  that 
has  ro'cved  a  mortal  hurt.  It  seemed  to  be 
stri  i.  4  Vt  disentangle  itself  from  the  fatal  em- 
brace ci  its  conqueror,  but  was  unable  to  do  so. 
Nearly  conical  in  shape,  a  pe^k  rose  more  than 
a  hundred  feet  in  air,  ending  in  a  tapering 
point  'almost  as  delicate  as  a  church  spire. 

The  crash  of  the  immense  bodies  caused  tbe 
brr^«i.i)ig  off  of  this  icy  monument  a  couple  of 
rods  i  om  the  top,  and  the  mass,  weighing  many 
tons  toppled  over  and  fell  upon  the  larger  berg 
with  d  violence  that  shattered  it  into  thousands 
of  fragments,  bits  of  which  were  carried  to  the 


134 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


feet  of  the  awed  party.  Then,  as  if  the  smaller 
one  saw  that  it  was  idle  t  vesist  longer,  it  began 
moving  with  the  larger,  Wi-  forced  it  along 
its  own  coui*se  as  a  tug  pushes  a  floating  chip 
in  front  of  it. 

The  danger  was  over,  if,  indeed,  there  had 
been  any  danger.  It  was  a  minute  or  two  before 
the  boys  comprehended  it  all,  but  when  Rob 
did,  he  sprang  to  his  feet  and  swung  his  cap 
over  his  head. 

**  Hurrah  for  our  side !  We  beat  'em  hands 
down !" 

"  I  fancy  it  is  quite  safe  to  count  on  our  keep- 
ing the  right  of  way,"  added  Fred,  whose  men- 
tal relief  at  the  outcome  was  as  great  as  his 
companion's.  "  I  thought  we  would  be  tumbled 
about  when  the  two  came  together,  as  if  we 
were  in  an  overturned  wagon,  but  I  can  under- 
stand now  how  that  could  never  be." 

"  But  wait  till  we  butt  against  an  iceberg 
bigger  than  ours,"  said  Rob,  with  a  shake  of  his 
head. 


wm 


t  i 


1 1 


CHAPTER  XV 


M 


THE  SOUND   OF   A   VOICE 

For  hours  the  fog  showed  no  signs  of  lifting. 
The  three  remained  seated  near  the  carcass  of 
the  polar  bear,  discussing  the  one  question  that 
had  already  been  discussed  so  long,  until  there 
really  seemed  nothing  left  to  say. 

Not  long  after  the  collision  between  the  ice- 
bergs a  singular  thing  took  place.  It  was  evi- 
dent that  the  two  were  acted  upon  each  by  a 
diverse  current,  but  the  preponderating  bulk  of 
the  greater  was  not  disturbed  by  the  smaller. 
The  latter,  however,  as  if  anxious  to  break  away 
from  its  master,  began  slowly  grinding  along 
the  face,  until,  after  awhile,  it  swung  clear  and 
gradually  drifted  out  of  sight  in  the  misty 
vapor. 

"She  will  know  better  than  to  tackle  one 
bigger  than  herself,"  was  the  remark  of  Rob 
Carrol,  "  which  reminds  me  that  if  there  should 

135 


II  I 


136 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAtX 


!' 


1 


happen  to  be  a  bigger  iceberg  than  this  floating 
around  loose  we  sha'n't  be  in  any  danger." 

"  And  why  not  ?" 

"  Because  being  so  big  it  will  be  under  the 
influence  of  the  same  current  as  this  and  going 
in  the  same  direction,  so  there  won't  be  much 
chance  of  our  coming  together." 

"  Unless  the  big  one  should  overtake  us,"  sug- 
gested Fred. 

"  Even  then  it  would  find  it  hard  to  run  over 
^fs,  so  there  isn't  much  to  be  feared  from  that ; 
what  I  do  dread  is  tl  at  we  shall  strike  some 
shallow  place  in  the  sea  that  will  make  this 
thing  turn  a  somersault." 

"It  would  be  a  terrible  thing,"  said  Fred, 
unable  to  drive  it  from  his  thoughts. 

"  Is  it  possible  for  the  berg  to  strike  some- 
thing like  that  and  stick  fast,  without  shifting 
its  centre  of  gravity  ?" 

The  question  was  addressed  to  Jack  Cosgrove, 
but  he  did  not  attempt  to  answer  until  the  last 
clause  was  explained  to  him. 

"Oh I  yes;  that  has  been  seen  many  times. 


i 


THE   SOUND   OF   A  VOICE 


137 


A  berg  will  ground  itself  just  like  a  boat,  and 
stay  fc :  days  and  weeks  until  a  storm  breaks  it 
up,  or  it  shakes  itself  loose.  I  don't  believe  if 
we  do  strike  bottom  again  that  there's  much 
danger  of  capsizing." 

"  Why  didn't  you  tell  us  that  before  ?"  asked 
Rob,  reprovingly  ;  "  we  might  have  been  saved 
all  this  worry." 

"  It's  only  guesswork,  any  way,  so  you  may 
as  well  keep  on  worrying,  for,  somehow  or 
other,  you  seem  to  enjoy  it." 

"I  think  there  is  a  thinning  of  the  fog,"  re- 
marked Fred,  some  time  later. 

"  A  little,  but  not  much  ;  it's  growing  colder, 
too  ;  we'll  run  into  keen  weather  afore  reaching 
the  Pole." 

"  I  shouldn't  wonder  if  it  came  pretty  s«on. 
Hello !"  added  Rob,  looking  at  his  watch ;  "  it 
is  past  noon." 

"  Do  you  want  your  dinner  ?"  asked  Jack, 
with  a  grin. 

Both  lads  gave  an  expression  of  disgust,  the 
elder  replying : 


138 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


"  I  <3aii  stand  it  for  twenty-four  hours  before 
hankering  for  another  slice  of  bear  steak,  and 
I  shouldn't  be  surprised  if  Fred  feels  the  same 
way." 

"  You  are  correct,  my  fn'end." 

"  Ah,  you  chaps  can  get  used  to  anything  I" 
was  the  self-complacent  remark  of  tiie  sailor, 
as  he  assumed  a  comfortable  attitude  on  the 
ice. 

While  the  boy  talked  thus,  Jack  was  care- 
fully noting  the  weather.  He  saw  with  pleas- 
ure that  the  fog  was  steadily  clearing,  and  that, 
before  night,  the  atmosphere  was  likely  to  be 
wholly  clear  again.  That  fact  might  avail 
them  nothing,  but  it  was  a  thousand-fold  better 
than  the  mist,  in  which  they  might  drift  within 
a  hundred  feet  of  friends  without  either  party 
suspecting  it. 

From  what  has  been  told,  it  will  be  under- 
stood that  no  one  of  the  three  built  any  hope  of 
a  rescue  by  the  "  Nautilus."  The  violent  gale 
had  driven  her  miles  away,  and  a  search  on  her 
part  for  this  particular  iceberg  would  be  like 


^^ 


THii   30UND   OF   A  VOICE 


139 


• 


:tJi€  bunt  of  one  exploring  party  for  another  that 
had  been  lost  years  before. 

But  it  was  not  to  be  supposed  that  Captain 
McAlpine  would  quietly  dismiss  all  care  con- 
cerning the  lads  from  his  mind.  One  of  them 
was  a  son  of  a  leading  director  of  the  Hudson 
Bay  Company,  and  the  other  was  a  favorite  of 
the  son  and  his  father.  For  the  skipper  to  return 
to  London  at  the  end  of  several  months  with 
the  report  that  he  had  left  them  on  an  iceberg 
in  the  Greenland  Sea  would  be  likely  to  subject 
him  to  unpleasant  consequences. 

The  most  natural  course  of  the  captain,  as  it 
eeemed  to  the  sailor,  after  making  the  best 
search  he  could,  was  to  put  into  some  of  the 
towns  along  the  coast,  and  organize  several 
parties  to  go  out  in  search  of  them. 

"  He  is  no  fool,"  thought  Jack,  as  he  turned 
the  subject  over  in  his  mind  without  speaking, 
"and  he  must  have  took  the  bearings  of  the 
ship  and  the  berg  as  I  did.  He  won't  be  able 
to  keep  track  of  us,  but  he  will  know  better 
than  to  sail  exactly  in  the  wrong  direction,  as 


140 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


' 


most  other  folks  would  do.  Yes,"  he  remarked 
to  his  friends,  as  he  looked  off  over  the  sea, 
"  the  weather  is  clearing  and  the  fog  will  be  all 
gone  before  night." 

This  was  gratifying  information,  though 
neither  youth  could  tell  precisely  why  it 
should  give  them  special  ground  for  hope. 

You  will  \inderstand  one  of  the  trials  of  the 
boys  when  adrift  on  the  iceberg.  The  latter  was 
moving  slowly,  and,  though  in  a  direction  differ- 
ent from  the  surface  current,  yet  it  was  barely 
perceptible.  No  other  objects  were  in  sight 
than  the  berg  itself,  which  gave  the  impression 
to  the  passengers  that  it  was  motionless  on  the 
^asty  deep.  You  know  how  much  harder  it  is 
to  wait  in  a  train  at  a  station  than  it  is  in  one 
in  motion.  If  they  could  have  realized  that 
the  berg  was  actually  moving,  no  matter  in  what 
direction,  the  relief  would  have  been  great.  As 
it  was,  they  felt  as  though  they  were  simply 
waiting,  waiting  for  they  knew  not  what. 

The  afternoon  was  more  than  two-thirds  gone 
when  the  last  vestige  of  the  fog  vanished.    The 


THE  SOUND   OF   A  VOICE 


141 


sun  shone  out,  and,  looking  off  to  sea,  the  power 
of  the  eye  itself  was  the  only  limit  to  the 
vision. 

Without  explaining  the  meaning  of  his 
action.  Jack  Cosgrove  made  his  way  down  the 
path  to  the  place  where  they  had  spent  most  of 
the  preceding  night,  and  climbing  upon  a  slight 
elevation,  stood  for  a  full  minute  looking  fixedly 
off  over  the  sea.  He  shaded  his  eyes  carefully 
with  his  hand,  and  stood  as  motionless  as  a 
stone  statue. 

**  He  either  sees  or  expects  to  see  something," 
said  Rob,  who,  like  his  companion,  was  watch- 
ing him  with  much  interest. 

"  He  is  so  accustomed  to  the  ocean  that  his 
eyes  are  better  than  ours,"  said  Fred. 

"  I  can't  make  out  anything." 

Suddenly  Jack  struck  his  thigh  with  his  right 
hand  and  wheeled  about,  showing  a  face  aglow 
with  feeling. 

"  By  the  great  horned  spoon,  I  knowed  it." 

"  What  have  you  discovered.  Jack  ?" 

"  You  chaps  just  come  this  way,"  he  said, 


142 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


crooking  his  stubby  forefinger  toward  thrm,  "and 
put  yourself  alongside  of  me  and  take  the  sharp- 
est squint  you  can  right  over  yonder." 

Doing  as  directed,  they  finally  agreed,  after 
some  hard  looking,  that  they  sav^  what  seemed 
to  be  a  long,  low,  white  cloud  in  the  horizon. 

"  That's  Greenland,"  was  the  astonishing  re- 
ply ;  "  I  don't  know  what  part,  but  it's  solid 
airth  with  snow  on  it.'' 

This  was  interesting,  indeed,  though  it  was 
still  difficult  to  imderstand  what  special  hope  the 
fact  held  out  to  them. 

It  seemed  to  grow  slightly  more  distinct  as 
the  afternoon  advanced.  Since  it  was  hardly  to 
be  supposed  that  the  iceberg  was  approaching 
land,  this  was  undoubtedly  caused  by  the  con- 
tour of  the  coast. 

When  night  began  closing  in  the  party  fired 
their  guns  repeatedly,  thinking  possibly  the  re- 
ports might  attract  notice  from  some  of  the 
np  Lives  fishing  in  the  vicinity.  The  chance, 
however,  was  so  exceedingly  slight  that  they 
made  preparations  for  spending  the  night  as  be* 


THE   SOl^XD   OF   A  VOICE 


143 


fore — that  is,  huddled  together  against  the  pro- 
jecting ice.  There  was  hardly  a  breath  of  air 
stirring,  though  the  temperature  continued  fall- 
ing. 

"  I  hear  it !"  exclaimed  Fred,  starting  t  >  his 
feet,  within  five  minutes  after  seating  themselves 
as  described. 

*'  What's  that?"  asked  the  amazed  Eob ;  "are 
you  crazy  ?" 

"Listen!" 

They  did  so.  There  was  no  mistake  about  it. 
They  caught  the  sound  of  a  vigorously  moved 
paddle,  and,  had  any  doubt  remained,  it  was 
dissipated  by  the  loud  call  in  a  peculiar  voice, 
and  with  an  odd  accent :        ■  • 

"  Holloa !  holloa  I  holloa  I" 


l!  \ 


CHAPTER  XVI 

LAND   ho! 

The  boys  could  hardly  credit  their  senses. 
Just  as  they  had  settled  themselves  to  spend 
another  long,  dismal  night  on  the  iceberg,  the 
sound  of  a  paddle  broke  upon  their  ears,  fol- 
lowed, the  next  moment,  by  a  hail  in  unmis- 
takable English. 

"  It's  Captain  Mc  Alpine  or  one  of  the  men  I" 
exclaimed  Rob,  breaking  into  such  a  headlong 
rush  down  the  incline  that  it  threatened  to  pre- 
cipitate him  into  the  sea  before  he  could  check 
himself. 

Fred  was  at  his  heels,  and  Jack  tumbled 
against  him.  He  knew  that  that  voice  was  no 
Caucasian's.  Despite  the  English  word,  he  rec- 
ognized it  as  belonging  to  a  native  Esquimau. 

"  We're  coming  I"  called  back  Jack,  in  turn ; 
"just  hold  on  a  few  minutes  and  we'll  be  there 
.••^by  the  great  horned  spoon  I" 
144 


LAND  ho! 


145 


He  bumped  flat  on  bis  back,  and  sbot  down 
the  incline  so  fast  that  he  knocked  the  heels  from 
under  Fred,  and  the  two,  impinging  against 
Rob,  prostrated  him  also,  the  three  shooting  for- 
ward like  so  many  sleighs  going  down  a  tobog- 
gan slide. 

"  Never  mind,  iads  ;  we'll  stop  when  we  strike 
water,"  called  the  sailor,  so  pleased  that  he 
recked  little  of  the  consequences.  All  the  same, 
however,  each  exerted  himself  desperately  to 
stop,  and,  barely  succeeded  in  doing  so,  on  the 
very  edge  of  the  incline. 

Then  they  perceived  one  of  the  long,  narrow 
native  boats,  known  as  a  kayak,  drawn  up 
alongside  the  wharf,  as  it  may  be  called,  with 
the  Esquimau  in  the  act  of  stepping  out. 

He  contemplated  the  sight  in  silent  wonder- 
ment, for,  it  is  safe  to  say,  he  had  never  been 
approached  in  that  fashion  before. 

Jack  was  the  first  to  recover  the  perpen- 
dicular, and  he  impulsively  reached  out  his 
mittened  hand  to  the  native,  who  was  clad  in 
fiirs,  with  a  short  jacket  and  n  liood,  which 
10 


IIJIIHIIHIIPIIH 


Haw 


mi 


146 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


covered  ail  his  head,  exceptijig  the  front  of  Lis 
face. 

"  How  do  you  do,  my  hearty  V    I  never  was 
so  glad  to  see  any  one  in  my  life  as  I  am  to  see 


j> 


you. 

"  Glad  to  meet  you,"  replied  the  Esquimau, 
somewhat  abashed  by  the  effusive  greeting ; 
"  where  vou  come  from  ?'* 

"  From  the  iceberg/'  and  then  reflecting  that 
this  good  friend  was  entitled  to  a  full  explana- 
tion, the  sailv>r  added : 

"  We  visited  this  berg, yesterday,  from  the  ship 
"  Nautilus  ;*'  our  boat  was  carried  away  before 
we  knew  it,  and  the  gale  drove  the  ship  so  far 
out  of  her  course  that  we  haven't  seen  a  thing 
of  her  since.  How  came  you  lo  know  we  were 
here?" 

"Heard  gan  go  off — didn't  know  where  it 
be — hear  it  again — then  know  it  here — then 
come  to  you." 

"  Were  you  ashore  ?" 

"Started  out  to  fish — you  go  ashore  with 
me ! 


r 


■ 


LAND   ho! 


147 


i 


"  You  can  just  bet  we  will ;  your  kayak  is 
strong  enough  to  take  us  all,  i.sirt  it?" 

"  If  sit  still — make  no  jump,"  was  the  reply 
of  the  native,  who  was  plainly  pleased  at  the 
part  of  the  good  Samaritan  he  was  play- 
ing. 

•  "  These  are  my  friends,  Rob  Carrol  and  Fred 
Warburton,"  said  Jack,  introducing  the  lads, 
each  of  whom  shook  the  hand  of  the  native, 
whom  they  felt  like  embi.tcing  in  a  transport 
of  pleasure. 

Since  the  native  had  come  out  for  the  pur- 
pose of  taking  them  off,  there  was  no  dela}-  in 
embarking.  The  long  boat,  which  the  Es(|ui- 
mau  handled  with  such  skill,  was  taxed  to  cany 
the  unusual  load,  and  Jack  suggested  that  lie 
should  wait  till  the  boys  were  taken  ashore, 
when  the  native  could  return  for  him,  but  their 
friend  s^ld  that  was  unnecessary,  and,  inasmuch 
as  the  land  was  fully  three  miles  distant,  the 
task  would  have  been  a  severe  one.  The  sea 
was  not  ugly,  and  the  Esquimau  assui'ed  them 
there   would   be   no   trouble  in  landing  them 


^1 


•  i 


148 


AMONG    THE   ESQUIMAUX 


safely,  if  they  "  dressed  "  carefully  and  guarded 
against  any  sudden  shifting  of  position. 

All  understood  the  situation  too  well  to  make 
any  mistake  in  this  respect,  and,  in  a  few  min- 
utes, everything  was  in  readiness.  The  native 
sat  in  the  middle  of  the  boat  and  swayed  his 
long  paddle  with  a  dexterity  that  aroused  the* 
admiration  of  his  passengers.  It  was  not  the 
kind  of  paddling  to  which  Jack  Cosgrove  was 
accustomed,  though  he  could  have  picked  it  up 
with  readiness,  and  he  was  just  the  one  to  ap- 
preciate work  of  that  kind. 

Rob  was  nearest  the  prow,  and,  as  the  craft 
whirled  about  and  headed  toward  land,  he 
caught  a  sliower  of  spray  which  was  dashed 
over  his  clothing  and  in  his  face.  That,  how- 
ever, meant  nothing,  and  he  gave  no  heed  to  it. 
Immediately  the  craft  was  skimming  over  the 
waves  at  a  speed  of  fully  five  knots. 

The  occasion  was  hardly  one  for  conversation, 
and  Rob  cautiously  moved  sideways  and  turned 
his  head,  so  as  to  watch  the  advance.  The 
weather,  as  will  be  remembered,  was  perfectly 


t 


LAND  ho! 


149 


, 


clear ;  the  stars  were  shining  and  he  could  see 
for  a  considerable  way  over  the  water. 

It  was  trying  to  the  nerves  of  so  brave  a  lad 
as  he  to  observe  a  huge  wave  rushing  like  a 
courser  straight  toward  them  and  looking  as  if 
nothing  could  save  the  boat  from  swamping; 
but,  under  the  consummate  handling  of  its 
owner,  it  arose  to  meet  the  wall  of  water  and 
rode  it  easily.  Then,  as  it  plunged  into  the 
trough  on  the  other  side,  it  seemed  as  if  about 
to  dive  into  the  depths  of  the  sea,  but  immedi- 
ately arose  again  with  inimitable  grace  and 
readiness. 

Then,  perhaps,  would  follow  a  short  distance 
of  comparatively  smooth  water,  quickly  suc- 
ceeded by  the  plunging  and  rising  as  before. 

All  at  once  the  surface  became  smooth.  Be- 
fore Rob  could  guess  its  meaning  something 
grated  against  the  front  of  the  kayak  and  slid 
along  the  side,  followed  by  another  and  another. 
The  native  slowed  his  paddling  and  pushed  on 
with  extreme  care. 

He  had  entered  a  field  of  floating  ice,  through 


150 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


which  it  was  necessary  to  fotde  his  way  with  all 
caution.  This  was  proven  by  the  many  turns 
he  made,  and  it  was  then  that  his  skill  showed 
in  a  more  striking  light  than  before. 

He  sat  facing  the  prow  and  was  obliged  to 
look  over  the  head  of  Rob  and  along  each  side 
of  him.  His  quick  eye  took  in  the  size  and 
contour  of  the  drift  ice,  and,  hardly  checking 
his  own  progress,  he  shot  to  the  right,  then  to 
the  left,  turning  so  quickly  that  the  bodies  of 
his  passengers  swayed  under  the  sudden  impulse, 
but  all  the  time  he  continued  his  advance, 
apparently  with  undiminished  speed. 

Meanwhile  Jack  Cosgrove,  from  his  seat  at 
the  rear,  was  looking  still  farther  ahead  in  the 
effort  to  gain  sight  of  the  welcome  land,  which 
never  was  so  dear  to  him  as  when  on  the  ice- 
berg. Once  he  fancied  he  caught  the  twinkle 
of  a  light  so  low  down  that  it  was  on  shore,  but 
it  vanished  quickly  and  he  believed  he  was  mis- 
taken. 

It  was  not  long,  however,  before  his  penetrat- 
ing vision  discovered  that  for  which  he  was 


LAND  ho! 


161 


yearning.  The  unmistakable  outline  of  the 
coast  arose  to  view,  rising  gradually  from  the 
edge  of  the  water  until  lost  in  the  gloom  beyond. 
It  was  white  with  snow,  as  a  matter  of  course, 
the  depth  probably  being  several  feet.  The 
sight  of  any  considerable  portion  of  Greenland 
free  of  its  snowy  mantle  would  be  a  sight,  in- 
deed. 

The  floating  ice  continued  all  the  wty  to  land, 
and  the  closer  the  latter  was  approached  the 
more  diflScult  became  the  progress.  But  the 
native  was  equal  to  the  task.  He  had  been 
through  it  too  often  to  hesitate  more  than  a  few 
seconds  when  some  larger  obstacle  than  usual 
interposed  across  his  path.  It  was  very  near 
land  that  the  greatest  peril  of  all  was  en- 
countered. The  kayak  glided  over  a  cake  of 
ice,  the  Esquimau  believing  it  would  pass  readily 
underneath  the  craft  and  out  beyond  the  stern, 
but  its  buoyancy  was  greater  than  he  supposed, 
and  it  swayed  the  boat  with  such  force  that  it 
came  within  a  hair  of  capsizing. 

"  All  right !"  he  called,  cheerily,  righting  the 


I 


152 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


craft  with  several  quick,  powerful  strokes  of  his 
paddle.  Then  he  shot  between  two  other  enor- 
mous cakes,  wedged  his  way  through  a  narrow 
passage,  and  the  prow  crunched  into  the  snow 
that  came  down  to  the  water's  edge. 

"  Here  we  are,  and  thank  the  Lord  I"  called 
out  Rob,  leaping  with  a  single  bound  upon  the 
solid  earth  ;  "  I  feel  like  giving  three  cheers,  for 
if  ever  Providence  favored  a  lot  of  scamps,  we 
are  the  ones." 

Fred  followed  as  the  kayak  turned  sideways, 
so  as  to  permit  all  to  step  out,  but  Jack  paused, 
opposite  the  native,  and  peered  into  his  face. 
Something  in  the  Esquimau's  voice  struck  him 
as  familiar. 

"  What's  your  name  ?"  he  asked,  still  scrutin- 
izing him  as  closely  as  he  could  in  the  gloom. 

"  Docak,"  was  the  reply. 


I 


CHAPTER  XVII 


DOCAK   AND   HIS   HOME 


"  By  the  great  horned  spoon,  I  suspected  it ! 
Docak,  I'm  mighty  glad  to  see  you ;  I'm  Jack 
Cosgrove,  and  put  it  there !" 

The  native  was  not  so  demonstrative  as  his 
English  friend,  but  he  certainly  was  as  delighted 
and  surprised  to  meet  him  in  this  extraordinary 
manner  as  was  the  sailor  to  meet  him. 

They  shook  hands  heartily,  and  Docak  in- 
dulged in  his  peculiar  laugh,  which  was  accom- 
panied by  little,'  if  any  noise,  but  was  indicative 
of  genuine  pleasure. 

The  reader  will  recall  that  this  was  the  second 
time  Docak  had  rescued  Jack  Cosgrove,  the 
other  instance  having  occurred  a  number  of 
years  before,  when  Captain  McAlpine's  ship 
was  destroyed  by  collision  with  an  iceberg. 

"  You're  my  guardian  angel  I"  was  the  excla- 
mation of  the  happy  sailor ;  "  I  might  have 

153 


154 


AMONG   THE  ESQUIMAUX 


known  that  if  anybody  was  to  save  us  you  was 
the  chap  to  do  it.  Come  up  here,  boys,  and 
shake  hands  with  Docak  ag*in,  for  he's  one  of 
the  best  fellows  living." 

Rob  and  Fred  were  only  too  glad  to  do  as 
invited,  and  cordial  relations  were  at  once  estab- 
lished. 

"  Is  your  home  where  it  was  when  I  was  here 
last?"  Jack  asked. 

"  Yes,  off  dere,"  replied  Docak,  turning  about 
and  pointing  inland  ;  "  not  far — ^soon  get  dere." 

Jack  gave  a  low  whistle  expressive  of  aston- 
ishment. 

"  Now,  lads,"  he  said,  addressing  the  youths, 
"  I  rather  think  you'll  own  that  Jack  Cosgrove 
knows  a  thing  or  two  about  icebergs." 

"  I  think  Fred  and  I  have  also  learned  some- 
thing, but  what  are  you  driving  at  ?" 

"We're  well  up  toward  Davis  Strait,  and 
there's  more  than  a  hundred  miles  of  Greenland 
coast  to  the  south  of  us.  That  old  berg  has 
struck  a  bee  line  for  the  North  Pole,  but  it 
won't  reach  there,  eh,  Docak  ?" 


• 


t 


DOCAK    AXD   HIS   HOME 


155 


• 


^ 


^~No ;  Boon  turn  around— go  back.'* 

"  Now,  isn't  that  one  of  the  strangest  things 
you  ever  heard  of,  lads  ?  The  place  where  the 
*  Mary  Jane '  went  down,  afore  that  berg, 
three  years  ago,  was  mighty  nigh  the  very  spot 
where  Docak  found  us.  I  remember  he  brought 
us  ashore  in  his  kayak — " 

"Dis  same  boat,"  interrui^ted  the  native 
with  a  grin,  perceptible  in  the  twilight. 

"There  you  are,  and,  if  he  keeps  on,  I'll 
begin  to  think  that  one  of  you  chaps  is  Captain 
Mc Alpine  himself,  and  the  other  Bill  Hardin, 
who  was  saved  with  us." 

"  It  is  a  most  remarkable  coincidence,"  said 
Fred,  and  Rob  added  that  he  had  never  read 
or  heard  anything  like  it. 

But  it  occurred  to  Docak  that  he  was  not  act- 
ing the  part  of  hospitable  host,  by  keeping  his 
friends  standing  on  the  edge  of  the  sea,  while 
the  reminiscences  went  on.  He  stooped  and 
drew  his  boat  far  up  the  bank.  The  tide  was 
at  its  height,  so  there  was  no  fear  of  its  playing 
the  trick  our  friends  had  suffered.     Then  he 


166 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMUAX 


turned  about  and  started  inland,  the  others 
following  in  Indian  file. 

He  was  treading  a  path,  a  foot  or  more  deep 
in  the  snow,  and  worn  as  hard  as  a  rock.  The 
ascent  was  gentle,  and  a  hundred  yards  from  the 
shore  he  arrived  at  the  entrance  to  his  home, 
where  a  surprise  awaited  the  boys. 

When  seen  for  the  first  time  the  hut  of  the 
Esquimaux  suggest  the  sod  houses  common  on 
the  Western  plains  of  our  country,  except  that 
the  homes  of  the  far  North  are  entered  by  means 
of  a  burrow.  Where  such  frightful  cold  reigns 
for  months  every  year  the  first  consideration 
with  the  native  is  to  secure  protection  against 
it ;  everything  is  sacrificed  to  that. 

The  walls  are  of  alternate  layers  of  stone  and 
sod,  and  are  about  three  feet  in  thickness.  The 
highest  clear  space  within  is  from  four  to  five 
feet.  The  building  contains  an  entry-way,  a 
kitchen,  and  a  living  room.  The  entry  is  four 
or  five  yards  in  length,  two  feet  or  less  wide, 
and  no  more  than  a  yard  in  height.  It  will 
thus  be  seen  that  even  a  small  boy  would  have 


DOCAK  AND  HIS  HOME 


157 


■ 


to  stoop  to  pass  through  it,  while  the  in- 
terior of  the  hut  itself  will  not  allow  a  full- 
grown  Esquimau  to  stand  erect.  To  this  fact 
may  be  attributed  in  some  degree  the  stoop 
shoulders  so  common  among  the  men. 

Half-way  between  the  beginning  of  the  entry 
and  the  main  rooms  was  an  opening  leading  to 
the  kitchen.  This  was  small,  shaped  like  a  bee- 
hive, and  with  a  hole  at  the  apex  for  the  escape 
of  the  smoke.  The  floor  was  bare  ground,  the 
hearth  consisting  of  a  number  of  stones  placed 
close  together,  on  which  the  iron  kettles  sat, 
while  the  fire  of  driftwood  burned  beneath.  The 
height  of  the  kitchen  is  less  than  that  of  the 
main  room,  so  that  only  the  women  can  stand 
erect  in  the  highest  portion. 

When  the  weather  is  very  severe  the  cooking 
is  done  in  the  main  room,  by  means  of  the  big 
oil-lamp,  while  the  thick  walls  and  the  heavy 
furs  of  the  inmates  enable  them  to  laugh  at  the 
raging  blizzard  outside. 

It  was  along  such  a  passage  as  the  one  de- 
scribed that  Docak  led  the  wav,  followe 


by 


158 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


f 


i 

i 


Jack  Cosgrove,  Rob,  and  Fred,  each  trailing  his 
rifle,  and  happy  beyond  measure  that  everything 
with  them  had  turned  out  so  well. 

The  main  room  into  which  the  little  party  en- 
tered was  about  four  yards  square.  It  had  a 
board  floor  and  a  ceiling — luxuries  not  generally 
found  in  the  nativf  homes  except  in  the  settle- 
ments. The  walls  were  furred  off  and  ceiled, 
and  the  spaces  closely  stuffed  witli  moss.  The 
wall  on  the  right  of  the  main  room  had  a  single 
window  with  twelve  panes  of  glass. 

The  main  room  was  the  most  interesting  part 
of  the  structure.  Along  the  front  of  the  window 
ran  a  wooden  bench,  near  the  end  of  which, 
toward  the  entrance,  stood  a  Danish  stove.  In 
the  corner  beyond  the  other  end  of  the  bench 
was  a  table.  To  the  left  of  that  was  the  lamp- 
stand,  directly  opposite  to  which  on  the  other 
side  of  the  room  was  a  second  and  shorter 
bench. 

The  whole  left-hand  side  of  the  room,  as  you 
entered,  consisted  of  a  platform,  about  six  feet 
long.     It  was  elevated  a  foot  above  the  floor,  the 


, 


DOCAK    AND    HIS    HOME 


159 


side  next  to  the  wall  being  a  few  inches  higher. 
At  night  it  was  covered  with  feather  beds,  which 
are  rolled  back  during  the  day,  so  that  the  front 
may  be  used  for  other  purposes.  The  lamp 
used  in  the  Esquimau  houses  is  simply  a  large, 
green  stone,  with  a  hollow  scooped  in  the  top. 
This  contains  seal  oil,  a  piece  of  moss  serving  as 
a  wick. 

It  may  be  well  to  tell  you  something  in  this 
place  about  the  dress  of  the  Esquimaux,  refer- 
ring now  to  those  who  live  near  the  settlements, 
most  of  whom  are  of  inixed  blood.  In  the  in- 
terior, and,  along  the  east  coast  of  Greenland, 
are  met  the  wild  natives,  who  are  muffled  in  the 
thickest  furs,  and  -bear  little  resemblance  to  the 
class  to  which  Docak  and  his  acquaintances  be- 
longed. 

These  men  wore  jackets,  trousers,  moccasins, 
and  generally  undershirts,  drawers,  and  socks. 
The  rule  is  for  them  to  go  bareheaded,  though  a 
hat  or  cap  is  frequently  seen.  The  clothing, 
except  the  moccasins,  is  made  from  woolen  or 
cotton  stuff,  bought  of  the  Danish  Governor. 


HMI 


160 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


i 


I 


I 


The  jacket  is  of  gingham,  with  sleeves  and  a 
hood  that  can  be  drawn  over  the  head,  and  fitted 
in  place  by  drawing  and  tying  a  string  that 
passes  under  the  chin.  When  venturing  out  in 
his  kayak,  or  in  severe  weather,  Docak,  like 
most  of  his  friends,  wore  a  jacket  and  hood 
combined.  This  was  of  sealskin,  with  the 
leather  side  out.  The  trousers  are  constructed 
of  the  same  material  with  the  hair  out.  Some- 
times they  are  lined  with  sealskin,  with  the 
hair  in. 

The  moccasins  are  well-shaped  sealskin  boots, 
reaching  nearly  to  the  knees.  When  the  socks 
are  not  woolen,  the  hair  is  turned  toward  the 
skin.  The  mittens  are  of  seal  leather,  with  no 
hair  on  either  side,  and  are  much  inferior  to 
many  of  our  own  country,  for  purposes  of 
warmth  and  comfort. 

The  Esquimau  women  are  shorter  of  stature 
than  the  men,  and  walk  with  short,  mincing 
steps,  showing  a  stoop  similar  to  their  husbands. 
They  have  small  hands  and  feet,  with  faces 
that  any  one  would   pronounce  good   looking. 


DOCAK   AND   HIS   HOME 


161 


f 


re 


g 


They  comb  their  hair  to  an  apex,  which,  if  the 
•  woman  is  married,  is  tied  with  a  bhie  ribbon ; 
if  a  widow,  with  black ;   and  if  a  maiden,  with 
green. 

The  females  generally  wear  collars  of  beads, 
with  lace-work  patterrs  and  vivid  colors.  The 
waist  is  generally  of  woolen  stuff,  and  here  the 
same  fondness  for  bright  colors  displays  itself. 
It  has  no  buttons,  and  is  donned  and  doffed  by 
passing  over  the  head,  and  is  fastened  at  the 
waist  with  a  belt.  Then  come  a  pair  of  short 
trousers  of  sealskin,  which  are  tastefully  orna- 
mented. Below  these  are  the  long-legged  mocca- 
sins, also  ornamented  by  the  deft  handiwork  of 
the  native  owners.  The  dress  of  the  children 
is  the  same  as  the  parents. 


■. 


u 


CHAPTER  XVIII 


A   NEW    EXPEDITION 


DocAK  had  no  children,  the  single  son  born 
to  him  ten  years  before  having  died  in  infancy. 
His  wife  was  about  his  age,  and  had  noticeably 
lighter  skin  and  bright  brown  eyes.  It  was 
evident  that  she  had  more  white  blood  in  her 
veins  than  her  husband,  who  was  of  mixed 
breed. 

Docak  did  not  knock  before  entering.  His 
wife  was  trimming  the  lamp  at  the  moment,  and 
looked  around  to  see  whom  he  had  brought  with 
him.  She  must  have  felt  surprised,  but,  if  so, 
she  concealed  all  evidence  of  it.  She  smiled  in 
her  pleasant  way,  showing  her  fine  white  teeth, 
and  said  in  a  low,  soft  voice,  "  Con-ji-meet," 
which  is  the  native  word  for  welcome. 

Her  first  curiosity  was  concerning  the  boys, 
with  whom  she  shook  hands,  but,  when  she 
turned  to  the  grinning  Jack,  she  made  no  effort 
16? 


I 


A   NEW    EXPEDITION 


163 


to  hide  her  astonishment,  for  he  had  addressed 
her  by  name. 

"  Crestana,  I  guess  you  haven't  forgot  Jack 
Cosgrove  ?'* 

"  Oh  !  oh !  oh  !  dat  you — much  glad !  much 
glad !"  she  said,  laughing  more  heartily  than 
her  husband  had  done. 

She  was  very  vivacious,  and,  though  she  could 
not  speak  the  English  tongue  as  well  as  he,  she 
made  it  up  by  her  earnestness. 

"So  glad — much  glad — whale  kill  vessel 
ag'in  ?  Docak  bring  no  ice  ?  Where  capen  ? 
How  you  be  ?  Crestana  glad  to  see  you — yes, 
heaj)  much  glad." 

"By  the  great  horned  spoon,"  said  Jack, 
holding  the  small  hand  of  Crestana  in  his 
hearty  grasp,  and  looking  around  at  the  otliers 
with  one  of  his  broadest  grins ;  "  the  women  are 
the  same  the  world  over ;  they  can  talk  faster 
than  a  Greenland  harry  cane,  and  when  they're 
glad  they're  glad  all  over,  and  clean  through. 
Docak,  you're  a  purty  good  chap,  but  you  aint 
half  good  enough  for  such  a  wife  as  Crestana, 


164 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


and  that  reminds  me  we're  as  hungry  as  git 
out." 

The  wife  evidently  thought  the  sailor  was  a 
funny  fellow,  for  she  broke  into  merry  laughter 
again,  and,  disengaging  her  hand,  hurried  into 
the  kitchen,  where  she  had  been  busying  her- 
self with  her  husband's  supper. 

The  visitors,  knowing  how  heartily  welcome 
they  were,  seated  themselves  on  the  benches, 
doffed  their  heavy  outer  clothing,  and  made 
themselves  as  much  at  home  as  if  in  the  cabin 
of  the  "  Nautilus."  They  leaned  their  rifles  in 
the  corner  near  the  table,  alongside  of  the  long 
muzzle-loader  and  several  spears  belonging  to 
Docak. 

A  large  supply  of  dry  driftwood  was  piled 
near  the  window,  and  from  this  the  native  kept 
such  a  glow  in  the  stove  that  the  whole  interior 
was  filled  with  grateful  warmth. 

In  the  course  of  a  few  moments  Crestana  bus- 
tled in,  her  pretty  teeth  showing  between  her 
lips  as  she  chatted  with  Jack  and  her  husband. 
She  drew  the  table  out  near  the  middle  of  th6 


, 


A   NEW   EXPEDITION 


165 


k 


room,  and  quickly  brought  in  some  fish,  "  done 
to  a  turn."  She  furnished  coffee,  too,  and  the  three 
guests  who  partook  of  her  hospitality  insist  to 
this  day  that  never  in  the  wide  work!  will  they 
ever  taste  such  fragrant  coffee  and  such  deli- 
cately-flavored fish  as  they  feasted  upon  that 
night  in  Docak's  hut.  But  we  must  not  forget 
that  they  had  the  best  sauce  ever  known — hun- 
ger. 

The  meal  was  enlivened  by  lively  conver- 
sation, in  which  Jack  managed  to  tell  the  story 
of  the  mishap  that  had  befallen  himself  and 
companions.  She  showed  less  interest  in  the 
boys  than  in  the  sailor,  thougli,  as  may  be  sup- 
posed, Rob  and  Fred  were  charmed  with  her 
simplicity  and  good-nature.  She  placed  spoons, 
knives  and  forks,  cups,  saucers,  and  plates  before 
them,  and  there  was  a  neatness  about  herself  and 
the  room  which  added  doubly  to  its  attractive- 
ness, and  did  much  to  enlighten  the  youths 
about  these  people,  whom  they  supposed  to  be 
barely  half  civilized. 

When  the  meal  was  finished,  and  the  wife 


wmm 


166 


AMONG   THfi   ESQUIMAUX 


occupied  herself  in  clearing  away  things,  Docak 
brought  out  a  couple  of  pipes,  filled  with  to- 
bacco, and  offered  one  each  to  Rob  and  Fred. 
They,  decliniog  with  thanks,  he  did  the  same 
to  Jack,  who  accepted  one,  and  a  minute  later 
the  two  were  puffing  away  like  a  couple  of 
veteran  devotees  of  the  weed. 

The  boys  felt  some  curiosity  to  learn  how  it 
was  that  Docak,  whose  manner  of  living  proved 
that  he  knew  the  ways  of  the  more  civilized 
people  among  the  settlements,  made  his  home 
in  this  lonely  place,  far  removed  from  all  neigh- 
bors. They  could  not  learn  everything  that 
evening  but  they  ascertained  it  afterward. 

Docak  had  lived  awhile  in  Invernik,  and  then 
took  up  his  residence  at  Ivigtut,  where  he  lived 
until  four  or  five  years  before  Rob  and  Fred 
met  him.  It  was  in  the  latter  place  he  married 
Crestana,  and  it  was  there  that  his  only  child 
died. 

The  loss  of  the  little  one  made  him  morose 
for  awhile,  and  he  got  into  a  difficulty  with  one 
of  his  people,  in  which,  in  the  eyes  of  the  law. 


' 


i. 


A   KKW   EXPEDITION 


ir>7 


V 


II 


Docak  was  wholly  to  blame.  He  was  })unished, 
and,  in  resentment,  he  withdrew  to  a  place  on 
the  west  coast,  about  sixty  miles  north  of  the 
famous  cryolite  mines.  There  he  lived,  alone 
with  his  wife,  as  serenely  contented  as  he  could 
be  anywhere.  He  made  occasional  visits  to 
Ivigtut,  to  Invernik,  Julianshaab,  and  other 
settlements,  but  it  was  only  for  the  purpose  of 
getting  ammunition  and  other  supplies  which 
could  be  obtained  in  no  other  way. 

Docak  was  not  only  a  skilled  fisherman,  but, 
what  is  rare  among  his  class  of  people,  he  was 
a  great  hunter.  He  was  sometimes  absent  for 
days  at  a  time  in  the  interior,  traveling  many 
miles  on  snow-shoes,  forcing  his  way  over  the 
icy  mountains  and  braving  the  Arctic  blasts 
that  had  driven  back  many  a  hardy  European 
from  his  search  for  the  North  Pole. 

While  he  was  absent  his  wife  went  about  her 
duties  with  calm  contentment,  where  a  more 
sensitive  person  would  have  gone  out  of  her 
mind  from  very  loneliness  and  desolation. 

Our  friends  having  effected  their  escape  from 


168 


AMOxVO   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


the  iceberg,  it  was  time  to  decide  what  next 
should  be  done. 

The  most  obvious  course  was  to  go  to  Ivigtut, 
where  they  could  obtain  the  means  of  returning 
to  England,  most  likely  by  way  of  Denmark, 
and  possibly  might  hear  something  of  the 
"  Nautilus,"  if  she  had  survived  the  gale  which 
caused  her  to  part  company  with  Jack  and  the 
boys. 

The  kayak  was  strong  enough  to  carry  them, 
and  Docak  could  make  the  voyage  in  a  couple 
of  days.  This  Rob  and  Fred  supposed  would 
be  the  plan  adopted,  but  the  native  put  another 
idea  into  their  heads  which  caused  in  a  twinkling 
a  radical  change  of  programme,  and  brought 
an  experience  to  the  two  of  which  neither 
dreamed. 

AVhile  Docak  and  Jack  sat  beside  each  other 
on  the  longer  bench,  smoking  and  talking,  the 
native  frequently  cast  admiring  glances  at  the 
rifles  leaning  against  the  wall  in  the  corner. 
Finally  he  rose,  and,  walking  over,  examined  the 
three  weapons,  taking  up  each  in  turn  and  hold- 


i 


A   NEW   EXPEDITION 


169 


I 


t 


ing  it  so  the  light  from  the  lamp  fell  upon  it. 
He  was  most  struck  with  Rob's,  which  had  more 
ornamentatiou  than  the  others.  It  was  a  mod- 
ern loader,  but  not  a  rei)eater. 

"  He  berry  good,"  he  remarked,  setting  it 
down  again  in  the  corner  and  resuming  bis  place 
on  the  bench  beside  his  friend  ;  "  why  you  not 
go  hunting  with  me  'fore  go  to  Ivigtut  ?" 

Jack  saw  the  eyes  of  the  boys  sparkle  at  the 
suggestion.  Why  not,  indeed,  go  on  a  hunting 
excursion  into  the  interior  before  they  returned 
to  the  settlement  ?  What  was  to  prevent  ?  It 
would  take  but  a  few  days,  and  there  is  royal 
game  to  be  found  in  Greenland. 

Docak  explained  that  this  was  the  time  of  the 
year  when  he  was  accustomed  to  indulge  in  a 
long  hunt.  Twelve  months  before  he  had 
brought  down  some  animals  rarely  ever  encoun- 
tered in  that  portion  of  the  country,  and  he  was 
hopeful  of  doing  the  same  again,  when  he  could 
have  his  friends  to  help. 

So  the  matter  needed  only  to  be  broached  to 
be  settled.    The  whole  party  would  go  on  a 


170 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


hunt,  and  they  would  start  the  following  morn- 
ing, returning  whenever  they  deemed  best,  and 
then  making  their  way  to  Ivigtut  at  a  leisurely 
rate,  set  about  their  return  home,  if  that  should 
be  deemed  the  best  course. 

The  warmth  and  smoke  in  the  room  led  the 
boyg  to  decide  to  step  outside  a  brief  while,  to 
inhale  the  crisp  air,  and,  inviting  Fred  to  follow, 
Rob  sprang  up  and  hurried  in  a  stooping  posture 
through  the  long  entry-way.  Fred  stopped  a 
minute  in  the  road  to  peep  through  the  opening 
into  the  kitchen,  where  the  thrifty  housewife 
was  busv. 

She  smiled  pleasantly  at  him,  and  he  might 
have  lingered  had  he  not  heard  the  voice  of  his 
friend. 

"  Hurry  out,  Fred  I  Here's  the  most  wonder- 
ful sight  you  ever  saw.  Quick,  or  you  will  lose 
it  I" 

Fred  lost  no  time  in  rushing  after  Rob,  whose 
excitement  was  fully  justified. 


CHAPTER  XIX 


A  WONDERFUL   EXHIBITION 


Unto  no  one,  excepting  him  who  journeys  far 
into  the  Norihland,  is  given  it  to  view  such  an 
amazing  picture  as  was  now  spread  out  before 
the  enraptured  gaze  of  Rob  Carrol  and  Fred 
Warburton.  In  Northern  Siberia,  the  Scandi- 
navian Peninsula,  the  upper  portion  of  the 
American  Continent,  and  the  Arctic  Sea,  the 
traveler  learns  in  all  its  wonderful  fullness  of 
glory  the  meaning  of  the  Aurora  Borealis  or 
Northern  Lights. 

The  boys  had  had  partial  glimpses  of  the 
scene  on  their  voyage  through  the  Greenland 
Sea,  and  there  were  flickerings  of  light  which 
caught  their  eye  on  the  trip  from  the  iceberg  to 
the  mainland,  and  the  short  walk  to  Docak's 
hut,  but  it  was  during  their  short  stay  in  the 
rude  dwelling  that  the  mysterious  scene-shifters 

171 


172 


111 


s; «! 


I  5} 


IJ' 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIJIAUX 


of  the  skies  unfolded  their  raagnificert  panorama 
in  all  its  overwhelming  grandeur. 

Radiating  from  a  huge  nucleus,  which  seemed 
to  be  the  North  Pole  itself,  shot  the  Htreamere 
of  light,  so  vast  in  extent  that  their  extremities 
struck  tlie  zenith,  withdrawing  with  lightning- 
like quickness,  and  succeeded  by  others  with  the 
same  celerity  and  displaying  all  the  vivid  hues 
of  the  rainbow. 

At  times  these  dartings  resembled  immense 
s[)ears,  and  then  they  changed  to  bands  of  light, 
turning  ngain  into  ribbons  which  shivered  and 
hovered  in  the  sky,  with  bewihlering  variation, 
turning  and  doubling  upon  themselves,  spread- 
ing apart  like  an  immense  fan,  and  then  trem- 
bling on  the  very  verge  of  the  horizon,  as  if  about 
to  vanish  in  the  darkness  of  night. 

At  the  moment  the  spectators  held  their 
breath,  fearing  that  the  celestial  display  was 
ended  ;  the  streamers,  spears,  bands  of  violet, 
indigo,  blue,  orange,  red,  green,  a?id  yellow, 
with  the  innumerable  shades,  combinations,  and 
mingling  of  colors,  shot  out  and  spread  over 


.1   : 


A   WONDERFUL    EXHIBITION 


173 


the  sky  like  the  myri.^d  rays  of  the  setting 
sun. 

This  continueil  for  several  minutes,  innrkec^ 
by  irreguhu*  degrees  of  intensity,  so  i!ni)res8ive 
in  its  splendor  that  neither  hid  spoke,  for  he 
could  make  no  comment  upon  the  cxliibition, 
the  like  of  which  is  seen  nowhere  else  in  nature. 

But  once  both  gave  a  sigh  of  amazed  delight 
when  a  ribbon,  combining  several  vivid  colors, 
quivered,  danced,  and  streamed  far  beyond  the 
zenith,  with  a  wary  appearance  that  suggested 
that  soiiie  giant,  standing  upon  the  extreme 
northern  point  of  the  earth,  liad  suddenly  un- 
rolled this  marvelous  ribbon  and  was  waving  it 
in  the  eyes  of  an  awestruck  world. 

One  of  the  most  striking  features  of  those 
mysterious  electrical  phenomena  known  as  the 
Northern  Lights  is  the  absolute  silence  which 
accompanies  them.  The  genius  of  man  can 
never  approach  in  the  smallest  degree  the  beau- 
ties of  the  picture  without  some  noise,  but  here 
nature  performs  her  most  wonderful  feat  in 
utter  stillness.     The  panoramii  may  unfold,  roil 


174 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


together,  spread  apart  again  with  dazzling  bril- 
liancy and  suddenness,  but  the  strained  ear 
catches  no  sound,  unless  dissociated  altogether 
from  the  phenonlenon  itself,  such  as  the  soft 
sighing  of  the  Arctic  wind  over  the  wastes  of 
anow,  or  through  the  grove  of  solemn  pines. 

There  were  moments  when  the  effulgence 
spread  over  the  earth,  like  the  rays  of  the  mid- 
night sun,  and  the  lads,  standing  in  front  of  the 
primitive  dwelling  of  the  Esquimau,  resembled 
a  couple  of  figures  stamped  in  ink  in  the  radi- 
ant liehl. 

For  nearly  an  hour  the  rapt  spectators  stood 
near  the  entrance  to  the  native  dwelling,  in?.n- 
sihle  to  the  extreme  cold,  and  too  profoundly 
impressed  to  speak  or  stir;  but  the  heavens  had 
given  too  great  a  wealth  of  splendor,  brilliancy, 
color,  and  celestial  scene-shifting  to  continue  it 
long.  The  subtle  exchange  of  electrical  condi- 
tions nmst  have  reached  something  like  an 
e(piipoise,  and  the  overwhelming  heauty  and 
grandeur  exhausted  itself. 

The   ribbons   and   streamers  that  had  been 


A    WOXDKKFrL    EXHIBITION 


175 


dartin;^  to  and  beyond  the  zenith,  shortened 
their  lightning  excursions  into  8j)aoe,  h'aping 
forth  at  h)ngt'r  intervals  and  to  a  din  reading 
distance,  nntil  they  ceased  altogether,  dis})laying 
a  few  Hit'kerings  in  the  horizon,  sis  though  eager 
to  hound  forili  again,  but  restrained  by  a  superior 
hand  with  the  command,  "Enough  for  this 
time." 

Fred  drew  a  deep  sigh. 

"  I  never  dreamed  that  anywhere  in  the 
world  one  could  see  such  a  sight  as  that." 

"  It  is  worth  a  voyage  from  home  a  hundred 
times  over,  and  I  don't  regret  our  stny  on  the 
iceberg,  for  we  would  have  been  denied  it  other- 


wise. 


tt 


**  If  there  are  any  peo[)le  living  near  the 
North  Pole,  it  nmst  be  like  dwell iisg  in  another 
world.     I  don't  see  how  they  stand  it." 

"  I  believe  that  the  Northern  Lights  have  their 
origin  between  here  and  the  Pole,"  said  Fred  ; 
"  though  I  am  not  sure  of  that." 

"  The  magnetic  pole,  which  must  be  ihesouree 
of  the  display,  is  south  of  the  earth's  pole,  and 


h] 


176 


AMONG    THE   ESQUIMAUX 


I  suppose  that's  the  reason  for  the  belief  you 
mention.  But  it  is  enough  to  fill  one  with  awe, 
when  he  gazes  on  the  scene  and  reflects  that  the 
world  is  one  great  reservoir  of  electricity,  which, 
if  left  free  for  a  moment  by  its  Author,  would 
shiver  the  globe  into  nothingness,  and  leave  only 
an  empty  void  where  the  earth  swung  before.'* 

"I  pity  the  man  who  says,  'There  is  no  God,' 
or  who  can  look  unmoved  to  the  very  depths  of 
his  soul  by  such  displays  of  infinite  power." 

"  There  are  no  such  persons,"  exclaimed  Rob, 
impatiently;  **  they  may  repeat  the  words,  be- 
cause tliey  think  it  brave  and  smart  before  their 
companions,  but  they  don't  believe  themselves. 
It  is  impossible." 

"  Why  didn't  we  think  to  tell  Jack  and  Do- 
cak,  that  they  might  have  enjoyed  the  scene  with 
us  ?" 

"The  native  Esquimaux  see  it  too  often  to 
care  about  it.  It  is  hard  to  und'^rstand  how 
any  one  can  become  accustomed  to  it,  but  we 
know  it  is  so.  As  for  Jack,  he  must  have  looked 
upon  it  many  times  before,  when  he  was  in  this 


A   WONDETIFUL    EXHIBITION 


177 


latitude.  Graciov*?!  but  it  has  become  cold," 
added  Rob,  with  a  shiver. 

"  It  isn't  any  colder  than  it  has  been  all  the 
evening,  but  we  forgot  about  it  while  the  exhibi- 
tion was  going  on." 

The  boys  turned  about,  and,  ducking  their 
heads,  made  their  way  along  the  long  entry, 
quickly  debouching  into  the  warmth  and  glow 
of  the  living  room,  where  Docak  and  the  sailor, 
having  laid  away  their  pipes,  were  talking  like 
a  couple  of  old  friends  who  had  not  seen  each 
other  for  years  and  were  exchanging  experi- 
ences. Crestana  had  finished  her  work  in  the 
kitchen  and  joined  them.  Hhe  was  Hitting  on 
the  shorter  bench,  and,  like  a  thrifty  hounewife, 
^as  engaged  in  repairing  some  of  her  huHbaud'w 
bulky  garmentH,  with  big  needles  and  coai-oe 
thread. 

She  looked  up  with  her  pleasant  smile,  fis  the 
boys  entered,  their  Iwdies  shivering  and  their 
teeth  chattering  from  the  extreme  col<L 

**  YouohapH  niUHt  luive  found  it  mighty  pleas^ 
ant  oiU-doors,*'  reui>  rked  lh(  nailor. 

n 


111 


li 


178 


AMO^G   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


"  Ah  I  Jack,  if  you  had  been  with  us,  you 
would  have  seen  a  sight  worth  a  journey  around 
the  world." 

"  What  was  it  ?  Another  polar  bear,  or  two 
of  them  r 

"  The  Northern  Lights,  and  O— '* 

"The  Northern  Lights,"  interrupted  their 
friend,  with  a  sniff  of  disgust ;  **  is  that  all  ?" 

The  boys  looked  at  him,  too  horrified  to 
speak. 

"  I'll  own  that  they  are  rather  purty,  and  the 
first  two  or  three  times  a  chap  looks  onto  'em 
he  is  apt  to  hold  his  breath,  and  rub  his  eyes, 
but,  when  you've  seed  'em  as  often  as  me,  it'll 
get  to  be  an  old  story.  Besides  Docak  and  me 
had  more  important  bus'ness  to  talk  about." 

"  What  was  that  ?" 

"  This  hunting  trip  ;    it's  all  fixed." 

"  When  do  we  start  ?" 

"  To-morrow  morning.  There's  no  saying 
how  long  we'll  be  gone,  and  I've  told  him  that 
it  doesn't  make  any  difterence  to  us,  so  we  get 
back  «ome  time  this  year." 


A  WONDERFUL   EXHIBITION 


171» 


"  Can  we  travel  without  snow-shoes  ?" 
"Luckily  we  can,  for  Docak  has  only  two 
pair.  This  fog  and  a  little  rain  we've  h:ul  \u\\v 
torined  a  crust  on  tiie  snow  hard  enon**!!  to  iK-ar 
a  reindeer,  so  that  we  can  travel  over  it  as  easy 
as  if  it  were  solid  ice.  The  only  tiling  to  he 
feared  is  another  deep  fall  of  snow  afore  we  can 
get  back.  That  would  make  hard  traveling,  hut 
then  a  hunter  must  take  some  risk  and  who 
cares?  We  may  see  sights  and  meet  fun  that 
will  last  us  a  lifetime." 


CHAPTER  XX 

THE   HERD   OF   MUSK   OXEN 

One  of  the  most  interesting  animals  found  in 
the  frozen  regions  of  the  North  is  the  musk  ox, 
his  favorite  haunt  heing  on  the  mainland  of  the 
Continent  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  Arctic 
circle,  though  he  is  occasionally  met  in  Green- 
'land. 

The  fact  that  the  animal  has  no  muzzle  has 
led  some  naturalists  to  separate  him  from  the  ox 
species  and  give  him  the  name  of  Ovibos.  He 
is  smaller  in  size  than  his  domestic  brother,  very 
low  on  his  legs,  and  covered  with  a  wealth  of 
wool  and  dark  brown  hair,  which,  during  the 
cold  weather,  almost  touches  the  ground.  A 
whitish  spot  on  the  back  is  called  the  saddle, 
though  it  is  not  to  be  supposed  that  it  is  ever 
intended  for  that  purpose. 

One  of  the  most  striking  features  of  the 
musk  ox  is  his  horns,  which  sometimes  weigh 
180 


THE   HERD   OF   MITSK    OXEN 


181 


fifty  or  sixty  pounds.  They  are  flattened  at  tlio 
base,  the  flat  sides  turned  outward,  and  form  a 
sort  of  shield  or  protection  for  the  face. 

At  certain  seasons  he  is  one  of  the  most 
odoriferous  animals  in  creation.  During  the 
spring  the  musky  odor  is  so  strong  that  it  can 
be  detected  on  the  first  knife  thrust  into  his 
body.  At  other  seasons  it  is  hardly  perceptible, 
and  the  eating  is  excellent. 

Although  his  k^gs  are  so  short  he  can  travel 
swiftly,  and  shows  a  facility  in  climbing  moun- 
tains that  no  one  would  suspect  on  looking  at 
the  animal  the  first  time.  It  suggests  tiie 
chamois  in  this  respect.  He  fcedn  on  lichens 
during  a  part  of  the  year,  and  on  grass  and  moss 
during  the  rest. 

Some  distance  back  of  the  native  Esquimau's 
hut,  the  land  inclined  upward,  becoming  cpiitc 
rough  and  mountainous  not  far  from  tlie  coast. 

It  was  among  these  wild  hilly  regions  that  a 
herd  of  musk  oxen,  num})ering  eleven,  were 
browsing  one  afternoon,  with  no  thought  of  dis- 
turbance from  man  or  beast.     Perhaps  tiie  last 


182 


AMONO    THE   E8QUI.XAUX 


should  be  excepted,  for  the  oxen  are  accustorae<l 
to  herd  together  for  the  purpose  of  nuituul  pro- 
tection against  the  ravening  wolves  wlio  would 
make  short  work  of  one  or  two  of  them,  when 
detached  from  the  main  herd.  But  it  is  not  to 
be  supposed  that  the  thought  of  bipedal  foes 
entered  their  thick  skulls,  for  the  Esquimau 
is  not  a  hunter  as  a  rule,  and  confines  his 
operations  to  fishing  in  the  waters  near  his 
home. 

The  herd  referred  to  had  gradually  worked 
their  way  upward  among  the  mountains,  until 
they  reached  a  plateau,  several  acres  in  extent. 
There  a  peculiar  swirling  gale  had,  at  some 
time  or  other,  swept  most  of  the  space  quite 
clear  of  snow,  and  left  bare  the  stubby  grass 
and  moss,  which,  at  certain  seasons,  formed  the 
only  sustenance  of  the  animals. 

It  was  a  lucky  find  for  the  oxen,  for  in  the 
far  North,  with  its  ice  and  'snow,  it  is  an  eternal 
battle  between  the  wild  animals  and  starvation, 
the  victory  not  infrequently  being  with  the  lat- 
ter.    It  was  rare  that  the  oxen  found  food  so 


THE   HFftD   OP   MttSK    OX  EX 


IH^ 


plentiful,  and  they  wore  certain  to  remain  there, 
if  permitted,  until  hardly  a  spear  was  left  (ur 
those  who  might  come  after  them. 

The  largest  ox  of  the  party  was  grazing  along 
the  upper  edge  of  the  [)lateau,  some  rods  re- 
moved from  the  others.  lie  had  strnck  a  spot 
where  the  grass  and  moss  were  more  abundant, 
and  he  was  putting  in  his  best  work. 

Suddenly  he  caught  a  suspicious  sound. 
Throwing  up  his  head,  with  the  food  dripping 
from  the  motionless  jaws,  he  stared  in  the  direc- 
tion whence  it  came,  possibly  with  tlie  fear  of 
wolves. 

Instead  of  seeing  one  of  the  latter  he  descried 
an  object  fully  as  terrifying  in  the  shai)e  of  a 

* 

young  man,  clad  in  thick  clothing  from  head  to 
foot,  and  with  a  rifle  in  his  hands.  The  name 
of  this  young  man  was  Fred  Warburton,  and  he 
had  reached  this  advantageous  spot  after  long 
and  careful  climbing  from  the  plain  below.  He 
was  studying  the  creatures  closely,  now  that  he 
had  succeeded  in  gaining  a  nearer  view,  for,  on 
the  way  thither,  Docak  had  told  him  nuich  con- 


I 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


11.25 


l^m    12.5 

m 

U   il.6 


Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


«■ 


23  WIST  MAIN  STMiT 

WiBSTER.N.Y.  MSM 

(716)  •73-4S03 


'% 


V 


.^^. 


&p 


% 


184 


AMONG  THE   ESQiTlMAtTX 


cerning  them,  and  they  had  become  objects  of 
great  interest. 

Fred  was  alone,  and  had  spent  several  min- 
utes in  surveying  the  brutes  before  he  coughed 
with  the  purpose  of  attracting  attention  for  a  few 
seconds.  Then,  slipping  his  mitten  from  his 
right  hand,  the  lad  brought  his  rifle  to  his  shoul- 
der and  sighted  at  the  animal. 

He  had  forgotten  to  inquire  at  what  part  to 
aim,  but  it  seemed  to  him  that  the  head  was  the 
most  vulnerable,  and  he  directed  his  weapon  at 
a  point  midway  between  the  eyes  and  near  the 
centre  of  the  forehead. 

At  the  very  instant  of  pressing  the  trigger 
the  ox  slightly  lowered  his  head,  and,  instead 
of  boring  its  way  through  the  skull,  the  bullet 
impigned  against  the  horny  mass  above,  and 
glanced  off  without  causing  injury. 

Fred  was  startled  when  he  observed  the  fail- 
ure, for  his  friends  were  too  far  away  to  give 
him  support,  and  it  was  necessary  to  place  an- 
other cartridge  in  the  chamber  of  his  weapon 
before  it  could  be  used.     He  proceeded  to  do  so, 


I 


THE  HERD  OE  MUSK  OXEN 


185 


'il^ 


without  stirring  a  foot,  and  with  a  coolness 
which  no  veteran  hunter  ever  excelled. 

But  if  Fred  stood  still  the  musk  ox  was  very 
far  frOm  doing  so. 

One  glance  only  at  the  youth  was  enough, 
when,  with  a  snort,  he  whirled  about,  galloped 
a  few  paces,  and  then  wheeled  with  marked 
quickness,  and  faced  the  young  hunter  again. 
While  engaged  in  this  performance  his  snort- 
ings  drew  the  attention  of  his  companions,  who, 
throwing  up  their  heads,  galloped  to  him,  and 
the  whole  eleven  speedily  stood  side  by  side, 
facing  the  point  whence  the  attack  had  come. 

They  were  of  formidable  appearance,  indeed, 
for,  with  lowered  heads,  they  pawed  up  the 
earth  and  began  cautiously  advancing  upon  the 
boy,  who  had  his  cartridge  in  place  and  was 
ready  for  another  shot.  But  instead  of  one 
inusk  ox  he  was  confronted  by  eleven  I 

"  My  gracious  I"  he  said  to  himself ;  "  this  is 
a  larger  contract  than  I  thought  of.  If  they 
will  only  come  at  me  one  at  a  time  I  wouldn't 
mind.     I  wonder  where  the  other  folks  are?" 


186 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


He  glanced  right  and  left,  but  nothing  was 
to  be  seen  of  Rob  or  Jack  or  Docak.  It  looked 
as  if  a  line  of  retreat  should  be  provided,  and  he 
ventured  a  glance  to  the  rear. 

He  saw  a  mass  of  rocks  within  a  hundred 
yards,  against  which  a  good  deal  of  snow  had 
been  driven,  and  he  concluded  that  that  was  the 
only  available  refuge,  with  no  certainty  that  it 
would  prove  a  refuge  at  all. 

"  Being  as  I  shall  have  to  fetch  up  there  to 
save  myself,  and  being  that  those  beasts  can 
travel  faster  than  I,  it  wouldn't  be  a  bad  idea 
to. begin  edging  that  way  now." 

He  would  have  been  glad  to  whirl  about  and 
dash  off,  reserving  his  shot  until  he  reached  the 
rocks,  but  for  his  belief  that  such  an  attempt 
would  be  fatal  to  himself.  Nothing  encourages 
man  or  animal  so  much  as  the  sight  of  a  flying 
foe,  and  he  was  sure  that  he  would  instantly 
have  the  whole  herd  at  his  heels,  and  they 
would  overhaul  him  too  before  he  could  attain 
his  shelter. 

It  was  a  test  of  his  nerves,  indeed.     There 


THE   HEBD  OF   MUSK   OXEN 


187 


. 


were  eleven  musk  oxen,  heads  lowered,  eyes 
staring,  with  low,  muttering  bellows,  pawing 
and  flinging  the  dirt  behind  them,  while  they 
continued  advancing  upon  the  motionless  lad, 
who,  having  but  one  shot  immediately  at  com- 
mand, sought  to  decide  where  it  could  be  sent 
so  as  to  do  the  most  good. 

The  fellow  at  which  he  fired  was  the  largest 
of  the  herd,  and  it  was  plain  to  see  that  he  was 
commander-in-chief.  Upon  receiving  the  shot 
on  his  horns  he  had  summoned  his  followers 
about  him,  and  no  doubt  told  them  of  the  out- 
rage ana  whispered  in  their  ears  the  single  word 
**  Vengeance." 

It  naturaljy  struck  Fred  that  the  single  shot 
should  be  directed  at  the  leader,  for  possibly, 
if  he  fell,  the  others  would  be  thrown  into  a 
panic  and  scatter.  At  any  rate,  it  was  the  only 
hope,  and,  without  waiting  a  tenth  part  of  the 
time  it  has  taken  us  to  tell  it,  he  brought  his 
rifle  to  a  level  and  aimed  at  the  big  fellow. 

The  distance  was  so  short  that  tliere  was  no 
excuse   for  repeating  his   blunder,  or,  rather, 


J 


■'I 


If— 


188 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


accident.  He  sighted  the  best  he  knew  how, 
and,  while  the  fellow  was  still  pawing  and  ad- 
vancing, let  fly,  hitting  him  fairly  between  the 

eyes. 

The  lad  paused  just  long  enough  to  learn 
that  his  shot  was  effective,  when  he  whirled  on 
his  heel,  without  waiting  for  more,  and  ran  as 
he  never  ran  before. 


CHAPTER  XXI 


CLOSE   QUARTERS 


At  this  moment,  when  it  would  be  thought 
that  the  incident  was  at  its  most  thrilling  crisis, 
it  assumed  a  ludicrous  phase,  at  which  any 
spectator  must  have  laughed  heartily. 

Fred,  as  I  have  said,  made  for  the  protecting 
rocks,  with  all  the  energy  of  which  he  was  capa- 
ble. On  the  way  thither  he  dropped  one  mit- 
ten, then  his  gun  flew  from  his  grasp,  and  a 
chill  passed  through  his  frame,  at  the  conscious- 
ness that  he  had  lost  his  only  means  of  defense ; 
but  he  dared  not  check  himself  long  enough  to 
pick  it  up,  for  in  fancy  he  heard  the  whole  ten 
thundering  after  him  and  almost  upon  his 
heels. 

The  distance  to  travel  was  short,  but  it 
seemed  twice  its  real  extent,  and  he  feared  he 
would  never  reach  it.  He  was  running  for 
life,  however,  and  he  got  over  the  ground  faster 

189 


.    rf 


190 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


than  would  be  supposed.  Panting  and  half- 
exhausted,  he  arrived  at  last,  and  darted  breath- 
lessly behind  the  rugged  mass  of  boulders. 

His  heart  almost  gave  way  when  he  found  it 
what  he  feared ;  a  simple  pile  of  stones,  partly 
covered  with  snow,  but  presenting  nothing  that 
could  be  used  for  protection.  The  only  portion 
was  the  top,  but  that  was  two  high  for  him  to 
climb  the  perpendicular  sides. 

It  was  at  this  moment  he  cast  a  terrified 
glance  behind  him,  and  uttered  the  single  ex- 
clamation : 

"  Well,  if  that  doesn't  beat  all  creation  I" 

What  did  he  see  ? 

The  whole  ten  musk  oxen  scampering  in  the 
opposite  direction,  apparently  in  as  great  a 
panic  as  himself.  ^ 

The  truth  of  it  is  the  musk  ox  is  one  of  the 
most  cowardly  animals  in  existence.  All  the 
pawing  of  dirt,  the  bellowing,  and  threatening 
advance  upon  an  enemy  is  simply  "  bluff."  At 
the  first  real  danger  he  takes  himself  off  like 
the  veritable  booby  that  he  is. 


CLOSE   QUARTERS 


191 


he 
a 


ing 
At 
ike 


As  soon  as  Fred  could  recover  his  wind  he 
broke  into  laughter  at  the  thought  of  his  cause- 
less scare.  He  might  as  well  have  stood  his 
ground  and  fired  into  them  at  his  leisure. 

"  I'm  glad  Rob  didn't  see  me,"  he  reflected  as 
he  came  from  behind  the  rock  and  set  out  to  re- 
gain his  lost  weapon  and  mitten ;  "he  would 
have  had  it  on  me  bad — " 

A  shiver  ran  through  him,  for  he  surely  heard 
something  like  a  chuckle  that  had  a  familiar 
sound. 

He  looked  around,  but  could  discover  no 
cause  for  it. 

"  No ;  it  wouldn't  have  done  for  him  or  Jack 
to  have  had  a  glimpse  of  me  running  away  from 
the  oxen  that  were  going  just  as  hard  from 
me—" 

"  Hello,  Fred,  where's  your  gun  ?" 

It  was  Rob  Carrol  and  no  one  else,  who 
stepped  into  sight  from  the  other  side  of  the 
rocks  and  came  toward  him,  shaking  so  much 
with  mirth  that  he  could  hardly  walk. 

"What's  the  matter  with  you?"  demanded 


192 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


Fred,  savagely;   "you  seem  to  find  cause  for 
laughter  where  no  one  else  can." 

"  O  Fred  I  if  you  only  could  have  seen  your- 
self tearing  for  the  rocks,  your  gun  flying  one 
way,  your  mitten  another,  your  eyes  bulging 
out,  and  you  too  scared  to  look  behind  at  the 
animals  that  were  going  still  faster  right  from 
you,  why  you  would  have  tumbled  down  and 
called  it  the  funniest  sight  in  the  world.'* 

"  If  I  had  seen  you  with  your  life  in  danger 
I  wouldn't  have  stopped  to  laugh,  but  would 
have  gone  to  your  help." 

"So  would  I  have  gone  to  yours,  but  the 
trouble  was  your  neck  wasn't  in  danger,  though 
I  guess  you  thought  it  was." 

"  Why  didn't  you  fire  into  the  herd  ?" 

"  What  for  ?  They  were  too  far  off  to  take 
the  chances  of  bringing  them  down,  and  you 
had  killed  the  leader." 

"  Why,  then,  didn't  you  yell  to  me  to  stop 
my  running  ?" 

"  I  tried  to,  but  couldn't  for  laughing ;  then, 
too,  Fred,  it  wasn't  long  before  you  found  it  out 


CLOSE  QUARTERS 


193 


stop 

then, 

It  out 


yourself.  If,  when  we  get  home,  you  want  to 
enter  the  races  as  a  sprinter,  I  will  back  you 
against  the  field.  I  tell  you,  old  fellow,  you 
surpassed  yourself" 

By  this  time  the  younger  lad  had  rallied,  and 
saw  that  his  exhibition  of  ill-temper  only  made 
him  ridiculous.  He  turned  toward  his  com- 
panion with  a  smile,  and  asked,  in  his  quaint 
way: 

"  What*ll  you  take,  Rob,  not  to  mention  this 
to  Jack  or  any  of  the  rest  of  our  friends  ?" 

"  I'll  try  not  to  do  so,  but,  if  it  should  happen 
to  drop  from  me  some  time,  don't  get  mad  and 
tear  your  hair." 

"  Never  mind,"  said  Fred,  significantly;  "  this 
.hunt  isn't  finished  yet,  and  I  may  get  a  chance 
to  turn  the  laugh  on  you." 

"  If  you  do,  then  I'll  make  the  bargain." 

"  Perhaps  you  will,  but  that  will  be  as  I  feel 
about  it.  But,  I  say,  did  you  ever  know  of  any 
such  cowardly  animals  as  the  musk  ox  ?  If 
they  had  gone  for  me,  where  would  I  have 
been  ?" 

13 


M 


■ 


194 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


"I  doubt  whether  they  could  have  caught 
you,  but  they  are  stupid  cowards,  who  don't 
know  their  own  strength." 

"I  wonder  whether  they  always  act  this 
way." 

"  Most  of  the  time,  but  not  always.  I  heard 
Docak  telling  Jack  how  he  once  put  two  bullets 
into  a  bull,  i^hich  kept  on  for  him  like  a  steam 
engine.  He  fiung  himself  behind  a  lot  of  rocks, 
just  as  you  did,  when  the  beast  was  right  upon 
him.  He  struck  the  stones  with  such  force  that 
he  shattered  his  horns  and  was  thrown  back  on 
the  ground  like  a  ball.  Before  he  could  rise 
his  wounds  overcame  him,  and  he  gave  it  up, 
but  it  was  a  narrow  escape  for  the  Esquimau." 

"It  might  have  been  the  same  with  me,", 
added  Fred,  who  could  not  recall,  without  a 
shudder,  those  few  seconds  when  he  faced  the 
leader  with  his  herd  ranged  alongside  of  him ; 
"  but  all's  well  that  ends  well.  Where  are  Jack 
and  Docak  ?" 

As  if  in  answer  to  the  question  the  reports 
of  the  guns  broke  upon  their  ears  at  that  mo- 


CLOSE  QUARTERS 


195 


ment,  and  they  saw  the  two  hunters  standing  on 
the  lower  edge  •/  the  plateau,  firing  into  the 
terrified  animals  that  were  almost  upon  them. 
Instead  of  t  lUing  to  run,  as  Fred  had  done, 
immediately  aftor  firing,  they  quietly  held  their 
places  and  began  coolly  reloading  their  pieces. 

There  was  good  ground  for  their  self-confi- 
dence. Their  shots  were  so  well  aimed  that  two 
of  the  oxen  tumbled  to  the  ground,  while  the 
others,  whirling  again,  came  thundering  in  the 
direction  of  the  rocks,  near  which  the  lads  were 
watching  them. 

"  That  sight  is  enough  to  scare  any  one,'*  re- 
marked Fred. 

"If  you -want  to  turn  and  run  again,"  said 
Rob,  "  I'll  pick  up  your  gun  and  both  of  your 
mittens,  if  you  drop  them." 

"  D  >n't  fret  yourself ;  if  I  can  beat  you  when 
you  had  that  polar  bear  at  your  heels  no  beast 
could  overtake  me." 

"  The  difference  between  that  and  this  was 
that  the  brute  was  at  my  heels,  while  your  pur- 
suers were  running  the  other  way.    However, 


196 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


we'll  drop  the  matter,  old  fellow,  since  I  have 
had  all  the  fun  I  want  out  of  it.  It  may  be 
upon  me  next  time." 

"  I  hope  it  will,  and,  if  so,  I  won't  forget  it ; 
but,  Rob,  this  begins  to  look  serious." 

Although  the  youths  were  in  plain  view,  the 
musk  oxen  continued  their  flight  straight  toward 
them.  Unless  they  changed  very  quickly  or  the 
lads  got  out  of  the  way  a  collision  was  certain. 

"  You  may  stay  here  if  you  think  it  smart," 
said  Fred,  a  second  later,  "  but  I  don't." 

Despite  the  exhibition  he  had  made  of  him- 
self a  few  minutes  before  he  moved  briskly 
toward  the  rocks,  behind  which  he  whisked  like 
one  who  had  no  time  to  waste. 

To  show  him  how  causeless  was  his  alarm, 
Bob  raised  his  gun,  and,  taking  a  quick  aim  at 
the  foremost,  let  fly. 

"  That'll  settle  them  I"  he  called  out ;  "  see 
how  quickly  they  will  turn  tail." 

But  they  did  not  adopt  this  course  as  promptly 
as  Bob  expected.  He  had  struck  one  cf  them, 
but  without  inflicting  much  hurt,    There  is  a 


CLOSE   QUARTERS 


197 


latent  courage  in  every  beast,  which,  under  cer- 
tain stress,  can  be  aroused  to  activity,  and  this 
shot  had  done  it. 

Rob  stood  his  ground  for  an  instant  or  two. 
Then  he  awoke  to  the  fact  that  his  shot  was  not 
going  to  turn  a  single  one  of  the  eight  musk 
oxen  from  his  course.  They  thundered  toward 
him  like  so  many  furies,  and  were  almost  upon 
him  before  he  realized  that  he  had  already 
waited  too  long. 


, 


wmmi 


CHAPTER  XXII 


FBED  S   TURN 


At  the  moment  Rob  Carrol  wheeled  to 
run  the  foremost  of  the  musk  oxen  was  upon 
him. 

This  animal  was  the  largest  of  the  herd,  after 
the  fall  of  the  leader,  whose  place  he  had  un- 
doubtedly taken  by  the  unanimous  wish  of  the 
survivors. 

Perhaps  he  was  eager  to  prove  to  his  com- 
panions his  worthiness  to  fill  the  shoes  of  the 
late  lamented  commander,  for,  although  one  of 
the  most  dreaded  of  enemies  stood  directly  in  his 
path,  and  had  just  emptied  his  gun  at  him,  he 
charged  upon  him  like  a  cyclone. 

Meanwhile,  Fred  Warburton,  having  darted 
behind  the  rocks,  lost  no  time  in  slipping  an- 
other cartridge  in  his  gun.  He  would  have 
assumed  any  risk  before  permitting  harm  to 
come  to  his  friend,  but,  somehow  or  other,  he 
198 


* 


feed's  turn 


199 


yearned  for  the  chance  of  saving  him  from  just 
such  a  disaster  as  was  now  upon  him. 

Had  Rob  started  a  moment  sooner  he  would 
have  escaped,  but  in  his  desperate  haste  he  fell 
headlong,  and  the  ox  bounded  directly  over  his 
body,  fortunately,  without  touching  him. 

The  other  animals  were  unequal  to  the  draught 
upon  their  courage,  and  diverged  sharply,  some 
to  the  right  and  the  rest  to  the  left,  circling  back 
over  the  plateau  on  whose  margin  Jack  Cosgrove 
and  Docak  were  waiting  until  they  came  within 
certain  range. 

"  Fred,  fire  quick  I  my  gun's  unloaded !" 
called  Rob  from  where  he  lay  on  the  ground ; 
"  don't  wait  -a  second  or  it'll  be  too  late  !" 

Fred  did  fire,  sending  the  bullet  with  such 
accuracy  that  it  wound  up  the  business.  Pre- 
cisely the  same  catastrophe,  described  by  the 
Esquimau  to  the  sailor  took  place.  The  ox, 
coming  with  such  desperate  speed,  was  carried 
forward  by  its  own  terrific  momentum.  It  may 
be  said  that  he  was  dead  before  he  could  fall ; 
he  certainly  was  unconscious  of  what  he  was 


200 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


doing,  for  he  crashed  against  the  rocks,  as  if 
driyen  from  an  enormous  catapult  and  then  col- 
lapsed, in  a  senseless  heap,  with  his  flat  horns 
smashed  and  broken  to  fragments. 

Fred  Warburton  saw  that  his  "  turn  "  had 
arrived,  and  he  made  the  most  of  it.  Rob  had 
been  merciless  to  him,  and  he  was  now  ready  to 
pay  him  off  in  his  own  coin. 

"  I  wouldn*t  lie  down  there,  Rob,"  he  said, 
gravely,  "  for  the  ground  must  be  cold." 

"  It  does  seem  rather  chilly — that's  a  fact," 
replied  his  friend,  who,  knowing  what  was  com- 
ing, slowly  climbed  to  his  feet ;  "  I  didn't  think 
of  that  when  I  lay  down." 

"  What  made  you  lie  down  at  all  ?" 

"  You  see  I  noticed  that  the  creature  didn't 
mean  to  turn  about  and  travel  the  other  way  as 
yours  did ;  there  was  the  difference.  Then  I 
knew,  too,  that  he  must  be  tired  from  running 
so  hard,  and  it  struck  me  as  a  kind  thing  to  do 
to  serve  ao  a  rug  or  carpet  for  him." 

"  You  did  so,  and  no  mistake.  If  I'm  not  in 
error,"  continued  Fred,  with  a  quizzical  expres- 


f bed's  TtRir 


201 


sion,  "  I  heard  you  call  out  a  minute  ago  some- 
thing about  my  hurrying  up  and  firing  so  as  to 
save  your  life." 

"  I  say  anything  like  that !  What  put  such 
an  idea  in  your  head  ?  It  must  have  been  the 
echo  of  your  voice,  when  you  were  running  away 
from  the  ox  that  was* running  away  from  you." 

And  Rob  assumed  an  expression  of  innocent 
surprise  that  would  have  convinced  any  one  else 
than  Fred  of  his  mistake. 

"  It  is  singular,  but  no  doubt  I  am  in  error," 
said  he,  resignedly.  "  It  must  have  been  some 
one  else  that  sprawled  on  the  ground,  and 
begged  me  to  shoot  quick  or  he  was  a  goner ;  it 
must  have  been  another  vaunting  young  man, 
who  looked  up  so  pityingly,  and.  was  too  scared 
to  try  to  get  on  his  feet  until  I  shot  the  ox  for 
him,  just  as  I  did  the  polar  bear,  when  another 
minute  would  have  finished  him ;  but  I'd  like  to 
see  that  other  fellow,"  added  Fred,  looking 
around,  as  if  in  quest  of  him, 

"  1*11  help  you  search,"  said  Rob,  in  the  same 
serious  manner ;   "  and  as  soon  as  I  run  across 


202 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


him  1*11  introduce  you  two.  You'll  be  congenial 
to  each  other.  Until  then  suppose  we  let  the 
matter  rest." 

"  I  won't  promise  that,"  returned  Fred,  fol- 
lowing up  his  advantage ;  "  it  depends  on  whether 
certain  other  matters  are  referred  to." 

Rob  now  laughed  outright  and  offered  his 
hand,  which  his  friend  readily  took. 

The  words  were  uttered  hurriedly,  for  it  was 
hardly  the  time  or  place  for  conversation.  The 
popping  of  rifles  was  renewed  from  another  part 
of  the  plateau,  and  several  other  musk  oxen 
had  tumbled  to  the  ground.  A  half-dozen  sur- 
vivors managed  to  get  it  through  their  heads 
that  they  had  enemies  on  both  sides,  and,  seeing 
an  opening,  they  plunged  through  it  and  were 
seen  no  more. 

The  boys  devoted  some  minutes  to  inspecting 
the  two  animals  that  had  fallen  by  the  rifle  of 
Fred  Warburton.  They  were  a  couple  of  the 
largest  specimens  of  their  kind,  but  the  descrip- 
tion already  given  renders  anything  like  a  repe- 
tition unnecessary. 


FEED'S   TURN 


203 


Although  it  was  the  favorable  season  of  the 
year,  the  youths  detected  a  slight  musky  odor 
exhaling  from  the  bodies,  which  was  anything 
but  pleasant. 

Docak  and  Jack  were  observed  approaching 
across  the  plateau.  Both  were  in  high  spirits 
over  the  success  that  had  marked  this  essay  in 
hunting  the  musk  ox,  and  the  Esquimau  assured 
them  that  despite  the  odor  to  which  they  ob- 
jected, he  would  furnish  them  with  one  of  the 
best  suppers  they  had  ever  eaten.  The  lads,  how- 
ever, could  not  feel  quite  assured  on  that  point. 

It  may  as  well  be  stated  in  this  place  that  the 
spot  where  the  animals  were  shot  was  about 
thirty  miles  inland  from  the  home  of  Docak, 
and  a  great  many  leagues  south  of  Upernavik, 
the  most  northernmost  settlement  on  the  Green- 
land coast.  It  is  beyond  this  quaint  Arctic 
town,  in  the  neighborhood  of  Melville  Bay,  that 
the  musk  ox  has  his  true  habitat.  There,  al- 
though the  animals  are  diminishing  in  number, 
he  may  be  found  by  any  one  who  chooses  to 
hunt  for  him. 


204 


AMOXG  THE  £dQUlMAtTX 


The  fact  that  Docak  had  met  them  so  far 
south  was  extraordinary,  and,  up  to  the  previous 
year,  he  had  never  known  of  such  a  thing,  nor 
did  he  believe  there  were  any  besides  this  par- 
ticular herd  within  hundreds  of  miles  of  the 
spot,  nor  that  they  were  likely  ever  to  be  seen 
there  again. 

It  took  our  friends  two  days  and  a  part  of  a 
night  to  reach  this  portion  of  the  Arctic  high- 
lands. They  had  looked  for  foxes,  reindeer, 
ptarmigan,  hares,  and  other  game  on  the  way, 
but  failed  to  run  across  any  game  until  they 
came  upon  the  musk  oxen.  Had  not  the  Esqui- 
mau been  thoughtful  enough  to  bring  a  lunch 
of  cold  fish,  they  would  have  suffered  from 
hunger.  As  it  was,  all  felt  the  need  of  food, 
and  the  prospect  of  a  dinner  upon  the  game  at 
their  feet  was  inviting,  indeed. 

The  Esquimau  would  not  have  bothered  with 
the  cooking  had  he  been  alone,  but,  out  of 
deference  to  his  friends,  he  prepared  to  make  a 
meal  according  to  their  tastes. 

Inasmuch  as  so  much  game  had  been  bagged. 


FREDS   TURN 


205 


they  could  afford  to  be  choice.  They  cut  the 
tongues  from  the  animals,  together  with  some 
slices  frotn  the  tenderest  portion  of  their  bodies, 
and  had  sufficient  to  satisfy  all  their  appetites 
and  leave  something  over. 

No  better  place  for  camping  was  likely  to  be 
found  than  these  hills,  but  a  shelter  was  desir- 
able, and  Docak  set  out  to  lead  the  way  further 
among  them.  His  manner  showed  that  he  was 
familiar  with  the  section,  for  he  did  not  go  far 
before  he  came  upon  the  very  place  for  which 
Fred  Warburton  longed  when  making  his  des- 
perate flight  from  the  bull  that  he  supposed  was 
at  his  heels. 

It  was  a  cavern  among  the  rocks,  as  extensive 
as  his  own  living  room  at  home,  and  approached 
by  an  entrance,  which  if  not  so  extended  as  his 
own  entry,  was  of  still  less  dimensions,  causing 
them  to  stoop  and  creep  for  part  of  the  way. 

"  Me  be  here  *fore,"  said  he ;  "  like  de  place  ?" 

"  I  should  say  we  did,"  replied  the  pleased 
Rob,  echoing  the  sentiments  of  his  friends; 
''  but  we  shall  need  some  fuel  to  cook  the  food 


206 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


and  keep  waria,  and  wood  isn't  very  abundant 
in  this  part  of  the  world." 

"  We  git  wood,"  was  the  rather  vague  reply, 
whose  meaning  was  not  understood  until  they 
had  penetrated  into  the  cavern,  which  was 
lightened  by  a  crevice  on  on  side  of  the  en- 
trance. This  permitted  enough  daylight  to 
enter  to  reveal  the  interior  quite  plainly.  It 
took  the  boys  a  few  minutes  to  accustom  their 
eyes  to  the  gloom,  but  when  they  ^lid  so  they 
were  no  less  ^leased  than  surprised  at  what  they 
saw. 


CHAPTER  XXIII 


IN   THE   CAVERN 


That  which  the  astonished  visitors  looked 
upon  was  a  pile  of  wood  at  one  side  of  the  cav- 
ern big  enough  to  build  a  roaring  fire  that 
would  last  for  hours.  This  place  must  have 
formed  the  headquarters  of  Docak  when  indulg- 
ing in  the  occasional  hunts  that  are  anything 
but  popular  among  the  coast  natives. 

The  Esquimau  did  not  carry  lucifer  matches 
with  him,  but,  on  the  other  hand,  he  was  not 
forced  to  use  the  primitive  means  common 
among  savages.  He  possessed  a  flint  and  tinder 
such  as  our  forefathers  used  and  are  still  popu- 
lar in  some  parts  of  the  world. 

But  Rob  and  Fred  did  not  exhaust  their 
supply  of  matches  in  trying  to  scorch  the  bear 
steak  on  the  iceberg,  and  when  everything  was 
ready  to  start  the  blaze  they  did  so  with  little 
trouble.    The  smoke  bothered  them  at  first,  but 

207 


208 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


it  gradually  wouod  its  way  through  the  opening, 
so  that  breathing  became  quite  comfortable. 

Docak  cooked  the  tongues  with  a  skill  born 
of  long  experience.  There  was  just  the  faintest 
trace  of  musk,  but  not  enough  to  interfere  with 
the  vigorous  appetites,  which  could  afford  to 
disregard  trifles.  The  meal  proved  to  be  what 
he  had  promised — one  of  the  most  grateful  they 
had  ever  eaten. 

There  was  a  good  deal  left  after  the  supper 
was  finished,  and  this  was  laid  aside  for  future 
contingencies,  since  the  experience  of  their 
approach  to  this  spot  taught  them  to  be  pre- 
pared for  an  extended  deprivation  of  food.  In- 
deed, the  native  Esquimau  sometimes  goes  for 
days,  apparently  with  no  craving  in  that  direc- 
tion, though  it  must  be  there  all  the  same. 
When  he  finally  secures  nourishment,  he  stuffs 
prodigiously — so  much  so  indeed  that  a  civil- 
ized person  would  die  of  gluttony.  He  calmly 
waits,  however,  until  able  to  hold  a  little  more, 
when  he  resumes  cramming  the  food  down  his 
throat,  keeping  it  up  until  at  last  he  is  satisfied. 


IN  THE  CAVERN 


209 


Then  he  sleeps,  hour  after  hour,  and,  on  waking, 
is  ready  to  resume  his  frightful  gormandizing. 

By  the  time  the  meal  was  finished  the  long 
Arctic  night  began  closing  in.  Looking  through 
the  crevice  on  the  side,  and  the  entrance,  they 
saw  that  the  day  was  fast  fading.  The  air  was 
as  clear  as  crystal  and  very  cold.  The  boys 
had  no  extra  garments  to  bring  with  them,  but 
Docak,  despite  his  cumbrous  suit,  carried  the 
fur  of  a  polar  bear  that  he  had  shot  a  couple  of 
years  before.  This  was  not  only  warm,  but 
had  the  advantages  over  many  pelts  of  being 
vermin  proof. 

When  traveling  over  the  snow  Docak  had  a 
way  of  using  this  extra  garment,  like  a  shawl, 
so  that  his  arms  were  free.  It  was  now  spread 
upon  the  solid  rock,  and,  though  it  was  not  ex- 
tensive enough  to  wrap  about  the  forms  of  the 
four,  it  furnished  a  couch  for  all,  as  they  hj 
with  their  bodies  near  together,  and  it  was  most 
welcome  indeed. 

It  might  seem  that  our  friends  ran  an  impru- 
dent risk  in  venturing  this  far  from  the  coast 
14 


■— —p 


210 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


without  snow-slioes ;  for,  in  the  event  of  a  thaw, 
the  work  of  traveling  the  thirty  miles  would  tax 
their  endurance  to  the  utmost.  The  snow  was 
several  feet  deep  on  a  level,  and  was  drifted 
in  places  as  high  as  a  house.  Who  could 
make  his  way  through  instead  of  over  this  ? 

But  all  misgivings  on  that  score  were  ended 
by  Docak  telling  bis  friends  there  would  be  no 
thaw  for  days,  weeks,  and,  perhaps,  not  for 
months.  It  was  more  likely  to  be  the  other 
way. 

The  surface,  ;is  I  have  intimated,  was  as  easily 
walked  upon  as  the  floor  of  a  house.  So  long 
as  it  remained  thus  there  was  no  need  of  snow- 
shoes  or  anything  like  artificial  help. 

The  fire  made  it  so  cheerful  and  the  warmth 
was  so  pleasant  that  it  was  decided  to  keep  it 
going  for  an  hour  or  two,  and  then  let  it  die  out 
after  they  fell  asleep.  There  would  be  consider- 
able fuel  left  for  morning,  and  the  blaze  was  not 
really  necessary,  unless  the  weather  should  take 
one  of  those  appalling  plunges  during  which  a 
red-hot  stove  seems  to  lose  all  power. 


IN  THE  CAVERN 


211 


e 
a 


As  was  Docak's  custom,  when  staying  in  an 
inclosed  place  like  this,  he  sauntered  out  doors 
before  lying  down  to  slumber,  in  order  to  take 
a  look  at  the  weather  and  the  surroundings. 
The  life  of  the  Esquimaux  makes  them  won- 
derfully skillful  readers  of  impending  changes 
of  temperature.  Signs  which  are  invisible  to 
others  are  as  intelligible  to  them  as  the  pages 
of  a  printed  book  to  us. 

The  native  remained  absent  a  considerable 
while,  until  his  friends  began  speculating  as  to 
the  cause. 

"  Maybe  he  has  caught  sight  of  another  of 
those  musk  oxen,  and  wants  to  bring  him  down," 
suggested  Rob. 

"  There  is  no  call  to  do  that  when  so  many  of 
them  lie  on  the  frozen  ground,  where  they  will 
keep  for  months  unless  the  wolves  find  them." 

"  They^ll  be  pretty  certain  to  do  that,"  con- 
tinued Rob ;  "  but  then  he  may  have  caught 
sight  of  a  bull,  and  both  may  want  to  try  a 
race  by  starting  in  opposite  directions  and  see- 
ing which  can  travel  first  around  the  world." 


!wwn^»^^"w»:» 


mmi 


212 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


"  That  would  be  a  sight  worth  seeing,"  Fred 
hastened  to  say,  "unless  he  fell  down  and 
bawled  for  some  one  to  come  to  his  help, 
after  firing  his  gun  and  missing  the  game  by 
about  a  rod." 

Jack  Cosgrove  looked  wonderingly  at  his 
young  friends,  puzzled  to  know  what  this  curi- 
ous talk  meant.  To  him  there  was  no  sense  in 
it.  Rob  and  Fred  thought  they  had  ventured 
as  far  upon  forbidden  ground  as  was  prudent,  so 
they  veered  off. 

While  they  were  talking  Docak  reappeared. 
His  feet  were  heard  on  the  crust  of  the  snow  for 
several  seconds  before  he  was  visible,  for  there 
was  no  call  to  guard  against  noise. 

As  he  straightened  up  in  the  cavern  he  stood 
a  moment  without  speaking.  Then,  stepping  to 
the  wood,  he  threw  a  number  of  sticks  on  the 
blaze,  causing  an  illumination  that  made  the  in- 
terior as  light  as  day. 

Jack  was  better  acquainted  with  the  native's 
moods  than  the  boys  could  be  expected  to  be, 
and  the  first  sight  of  the  honest  fellow's  counte- 


IN  THE  CAVERN 


213 


„ 


nance  by  the  added  light  told  him  he  was  trou- 
bled over  something.  Evidently  he  had  made 
some  unpleasant  discovery. 

"  He'll  Ipt  me  know  what  it  is,"  concluded 
the  sailor,  deeming  it  best  not  to  question  him ; 
"  I  can't  imagine  what  would  make  him  feel  so 
uneasy,  but  he's  got  something  on  his  miqd — 
that's  sartin." 

Docak  was  on  the  point  of  speaking  more  than 
once,  but  some  impulse  led  him  to  close  his  lips 
at  the  moment  the  all-important  matter  was 
about  to  become  known.  He  probably  would 
have  kept  it  to  himself  altogether  had  not  a 
question  of  Rob  given  him  an  opportunity  too 
inviting  to  be  resisted. 

"  Which  course  will  we  take  to-morrow,  Do- 
cak ?" 

"Dat  way — we  trabel  fast  as  can,  too." 

The  astonishment  of  the  three  may  be  under- 
stood when  they  saw  him  point  directly  toward 
his  own  home — that  is,  in  the  direction  of  the 
seacoast,  and  over  the  course  they  had  just  com- 
pleted. 


214 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


Their  purpose  when  they  set  out  was  to  pene- 
trate at  least  double  the  distance  in  the  interior, 
and  now  he  declared  for  a  withdrawal. 

Not  only  that,  but  the  manner  of  the  native 
proved  that  he  considered  t^  ^  crisis  imminent, 
and  that  no  time  was  to  be  lost  in  carrying  out 
his  unexpected  decision. 

Jack  knew  him  so  well  that  he  was  right  in 
deciding  that  his  hesitancy  of  manner  was 
caused  by  his  doubt  whether  he  should  insist 
upon  his  friends  starting  at  once,  or  allow  them 
to  defer  it  until  morning. 

"What's  the  trouble,  Docak?"  asked  the 
sailor,  now  that  the  subject  was  broached ;  "  I 
never  saw  you  look  so  scared — " 

At  that  moment  the  dism^,!  cry  of  a  wolf 
reached  their  ears,  quickly  followed  by  others. 
The  gaunt  creatures  that  seem  born  ravenously 
hungry,  and  always  remain  so,  had  scented  the 
rich  feast  that  awaited  them  on  the  plateau,  and 
were  hurrying  thither  from  all  directions.  Soon 
nothing  would  be  left  but  the  bones  of  the  game 
brought  down  by  the  rifles  of  the  hunters. 


IN  THE  CAVEBN 


215 


Rob  and  Fred  naturally  concluded  the 
moment  these  sounds  were  identified  that  it  was 
because  of  them  the  native  was  frightened,  he 
having  discovered  them  before  the  rest;  but 
Jack  knew  it  was  from  some  other  reason.  He 
saw  nothing  alarming  in  the  approach  of  a  pack 
of  wild  animals.  The  four  were  well  armed, 
they  had  a  fire,  were  in  a  cavern,  and  could 
stand  off  all  the  wolves  in  Greenland  for  a  time 
at  least. 

"  No,  it  isn*t  that,"  muttered  the  sailor ;  "  but 
if  he  doesn't  choose  to  tell  I  sha'n't  coax  him." 


CHAPTER  XXIV 


UNWELCOME  CALLEBS 


Within  the  following  fifteen  minutes  it 
seemed  as  if  a  thousand  wolves  had  arrived  on 
the  plateau,  and  were  fighting,  feasting,  snarling, 
and  rending  the  bodies  of  the  musk  oxen  to 
fragments.  They  were  far  enough  removed 
from  the  cavern  for  the  inmates  to  hear  each 
other  readily,  while  discussing  the  curious 
occurrence. 

The  boys  could  not  contemplate  a  visit  from 
the  ravening  beasts  with  the  indifierence  of 
their  companions.  To  them  it  seemed  that  the 
brutes  would  be  rendered  ten-fold  fiercer  by 
their  taste  of  blood,  and  would  not  stop  until 
they  had  devoured  them. 

"  Do  you  think  they  will  visit  us  ?"  asked  Rob 
of  Docak. 

The  latter  was  standing  in  the  middle  of  the 
216 


i 


TTNWEICOME  CALLEKS 


217 


cavern,  in  the  attitude  of  listening.   He  nodded 
his  head,  and  replied  ; 

"  Yes — eat  ox — den  come  here." 

"  If  that  is  so  I  think  we  ought  to  prepare  for 
them,"  suggested  Fred,  who  shared  the  nervous- 
ness of  his  friend. 

"How  can  we  prepare  more  than  we're 
prepared  now?"  asked  Jack;  "they've  got 
to  come  in  that  opening  one  at  a  time,  and 
it  will  be  fun  for  us  to  set  back  here  and  pick 
'em  off." 

"  Provided  they  don't  crowd  in  so  fast  that 
we  can't  do  it." 

"  With  four  guns,  I  reckon  we  oughter  take 
care  of  ourselves." 

"Dere  fire,  too,"  remarked  the  Esquimau, 
jerking  his  head  in  the  direction  of  the  flames. 

"  Ah,  I  forgot  that,"  said  Rob,  with  a  sigh 
of  relief,  recalling  the  dread  which  ail  animals 
have  of  fire.  Indeed,  he  felt  certain  at  the  mo- 
ment that  the  burning  wood  would  prove  far 
more  effective  than  their  weapons  in  keeping 
off  the  wolves. 


218 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


It  would  be  supposed  that  the  bodies  on  the 
plateau  were  enough  to  keep  the  brutes  occupied 
for  a  long  time,  and  lo  afford  them  a  meal  suffi- 
cient to  satisfy  thom  for  the  night ;  but  who 
ever  saw  a  wolf  when  not  ravenously  hungry  ? 
They  howled,  and  snarled,  and  fought,  and 
pressed  around  the  carcasses  in  such  numbers 
that,  when  only  the  bones  remained,  it  may  be 
said  that  their  appetites  were  but  fairly  whetted, 
and  they  were  more  eager  than  ever  after  addi- 
tional prey. 

Fully  a  score,  in  their  keenness  of  scent,  had 
been  quick  to  strike  the  trail  of  the  surviving 
musk  oxen  that  had  fled  from  the  hot  fire  of 
the  hunters.  The  scent  was  the  more  easily 
followed  since  a  couple  of  the  animals  had  been 
wounded,  and  there  can  be  little  doubt  that  all 
fell  before  the  ferocity  of  their  assailants,  though 
the  musk  ox  makes  a  brave  fight  ere  he  suc- 
cumbs to  those  cowardly  creatures. 

Darting  hither  and  yon,  with  their  pointed 
snouts  skimming  over  the  ground,  it  was  not 
long  before  several  struck  the  footprints  of  the 


UNWELCOME  CALLERS 


219 


party  that  had  taken  refuge  in  the  cavern.  A 
dozen  or,  perhaps,  a  score  would  not  have 
dared  attack  them  had  they  not  been  inflamed 
by  the  taste  of  food  already  secured.  As  it  was, 
they  were  aroused  to  that  point  that  they  were 
ready  to  assail  any  foe  that  could  help  to  satisfy 
their  voracity. 

"Here  they  come!"  exclaimed  Rob  Carrol, 
springing  to  his  feet,  with  rifle  ready. 

"  Yes — dey  come — dat  so." 

While  the  native  was  speaking  he  stood  mo- 
tionless, but  with  inimitable  dexterity  brought 
his  gun  to  a  level,  and,  apparently  without  any 
aim  at  all,  let  drive  into  the  pack  crowding 
toward  the  entrance  to  the  cavern. 

No  aim  was  necessary,  for  the  wolves  pressed 
so  close  that  no  one  person  could  fail  to  bring 
down  one  at  least  of  them. 

Amid  the  snarling  and  growling  rang  out  a 
single  sharp  yelp,  which  proved  that  some  mem- 
ber of  the  pack  was  "  hit  hard."  Whether 
struck  mortally  or  not  made  no  difference,  for 
the  moment  blood  appeared  upon  him  his  com- 


220 


AMONG  THE  CSQUIMAXTX 


rades  fell  upon  him  with  unspeakable  ferocity 
and  tore  him  limb  from  limb. 

The  shot  had  the  effect,  too,  of  driving  them 
away  from  the  entrance  for  a  brief  while,  but 
they  speedily  returned,  crowding  so  far  forward 
that  their  eyes,  lank  jaws,  and  noses  showed 
plainly  in  the  reflection  of  the  firelight. 

It  was  evident  that  the  i.hot  of  the  Esquimau 
Produced  no  permanent  effect  upon  them.  It 
ma^  >-  '■'  been,  indeed,  that  tl^ey  wished  for  a 
second  that  it  might  afford  them  the  pretext  for 
feasting  upon  another  of  their  fellow-citizens. 

But  the  lire  was  burning  brightly,  and  they 
dreaded  tht>t.  So  long  as  it  was  going  and  the 
hunters  kept  close  to  the  flame,  they  were  safe 
against  the  fangs  of  the  wolves. 

"That*s  too  good  a  chance  to  be  lost,"  re- 
marked Rob,  discharging  his  rifle  among  the 
animals. 

Fred  was  but  a  moment  behind  him,  so  that 
two,  if  not  more,  of  the  brutes  were  slain  and 
afforded  an  appetizer  for  the  rest.  Docak  had 
lost  no  time  in  ramming  another  charge  into 


tTNWELCOME  CALLERS 


221 


\ 


his  gun,  while  Jack  Cosgrove  held  his  fire,  as  if 
expecting  some  emergency,  when  a  quick  shot 
was  likely  to  be  necessary. 

"  It  don't  strike  me  as  a  good  thing  for  all 
our  guns  to  be  empty  at  the  same  time,"  wjis  his 
sensible  remark,  "so  s'pose  we  take  turns  in 
banging  into  *em." 

"  Dat  right — dat  good,"  commented  the 
Esquimau,  and  the  boys  promised  to  follow 
the  suggestion. 

The  scene  at  this  time  was  striking.  Looking 
toward  the  entrance  to  the  cavern,  nothing  could 
be  observed  but  the  fronts  of  the  fierce  animals, 
all  fighting  desperately  to  get  at  the  opening, 
all  eager  beyond  expression  to  reach  the  serene 
hunters  within,  but  restrained  by  the  glowing 
fire  beyond,  to  which  they  dared  not  go. 

Quick  to  note  their  dread  of  this  element,  the 
boys  became  more  composed,  though  both  could 
not  help  thinking  how  it  would  be  if  there  were 
no  fire.  The  fuel  if  judiciously  used  was  suffi- 
cient to  last  until  daylight,  by  which  time 
the  courage  of  the  brutes  would  ooze  away  to 


222 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


that  extent  that  they  would  be  likely  to  with- 
draw. 

But  the  party  could  not  spend  all  their  time 
in  the  cavern,  and,  if  attacked  on  the  oi)en  plain, 
it  would  require  the  hardest  kind  of  fighting  to 
beat  off  their  assailants. 

"  But  what  is  the  use  of  speculating  about  the 
future?"  Rob  asked  himself,  as,  seeing  that  it 
was  his  turn,  he  drove  another  bullet  among  the 
brutes,  doubling  up  one  like  a  jack-knife,  while 
his  comrades  proceeded  to  "  undouble  '*  him  in 
the  usual  style. 

"  Suppose,"  said  Fred,  "  we  should  keep  this 
up  until  we  killed  a  hundred,  wouldn't  the  rest 
have  enough  to  eat  by  that  time  ?" 

"  No,"  replied  Jack,  who  had  seen  the  ani- 
mals before;  "the  rest  of  'em  would  be  as 
hungry  as  ever  after  eating  'em.  You  may 
keep  the  thing  going  till  there  is  only  two  left, 
and  then  shoot  one  of  'em ;  the  other  will  gulp 
him  down  in  a  dozen  mouthfuls,  and  then  lick 
his  chops  and  whine  for  more," 

Docak  looked  at  his  friend  and  grinned  at 


.« ''■ 


UNWELCOME  CALLERS 


223 


lip 

Ick 
I  at 


this  graphic  illustration  of  the  voracity  of  the 
lupus  species. 

However,  it  was  quite  clear  that  our  friends 
were  wasting  a  good  deal  of  ammunition,  which 
might  be  needed  before  their  return.  So  they 
seated  themselves  on  the  floor  of  the  cavern 
near  the  fire,  that  was  kept  going  with  moderate 
vigor,  and  exchanging  a  few  words  now  and 
then  as  the  turmoil  permitted,  they  sent  a  shot 
into  the  pack,  when  some  of  the  foremost 
ventured  to  thrust  their  snouts  too  far  into 
the  cavern. 

"  If  they  only  had  sense  enough  to  combine 
into  one  rush,"  said  Fred,  "  they  could  wipe  us 
out  in  a  twinkling." 

"  That's  just  what  they  would  do  if  it  wasn't 
for  the  fire,"  was  the  reply  of  his  friend ;  "  but 
it  does  seem  to  me  that  they  must  get  tired  after 
awhile." 

"  I  can't  detect  any  signs  of  it  yet.  Let  me 
try  something." 

Catching  a  brand  from  the  fire,  Rob  whirled 
it  about  his  head  until  it  was  fanned  into  a  roar- 


^4 


224 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


ing  blaze,  when  he  hurled  it  right  among  the 
howling  horde. 

The  scampering  that  followed  was  laughable. 
In  a  second  or  two  not  a  wolf  wa.^  ri?'  ^  and 
only  the  smoking  torch  lay  on  the  groini'i  where 
it  had  fallen  just  outside  the  entrance. 

It  was  expected  they  would  soon  return,  and 
some  of  them  did  sneak  back  within  a  short  dis- 
tance, but  the  smoldering  brand  was  a  terror  to 
them  so  long  as  it  held  any  life,  and  they  waited 
until  it  was  utterly  extinguished  before  ventur- 
ing closer. 

Meanwhile,  Docak  showed  such  disquiet  twriH: 
concern  over  something  else  that  Jack  Cosgrov« 
well  knowing  it  must  be  serious,  determined  to 
force  him  to  an  explanation,  for  he  had  racked 
his  brain  in  vain  to  think  what  grisly  dread  was 
looming  in  front  of  them. 


W^SSSSSz^S^zS. 


m  I  mw  I  ■n%fm\    ifiu 


CHAPTER  XXV 


THE   COMING  SHADOW 


;dto 


DocAK,  the  Esquimau,  had  no  wish  to  affect 
any  mystery  as  to  the  cause  of  his  misgiv- 
ing. He  had  not  mentioned  it  of  his  own 
accord,  because  he  was  debating  in  his  mind 
which  of  two  courses  to  adopt:  to  remain 
longer  in  the  cavern  or  to  set  out  at  once  for 
his  home  on  the  coast.  It  may  be  said  that  ex- 
cept for  the  appearance  of  the  wolves  he  would 
have  insisted  that  the  start  should  be  made 
without  delay;  and  pushed  with  the  utmost 
vigor  until  their  destination  was  reached. 

But  this  was  not  to  be  thought  of  under  the 
circumstances.  To  venture  outside  the  cavern 
was  to  invite  an  instant  attack  by  the  brutes 
who  were  in  that  state  that  they  possessed  a 
daring  foreign  to  their  nature. 

Docak  explained  that  an  alarming  change  of 
weather  was  at  hand.     He  knew  the  signs  so 


ill 


.'»] 


1  i 


15 


225 


226 


AMONG   THE  ESQUIMAUX 


well  that  there  was  no  mistake  on  his  part.  As 
'  '"  had  promised,  it  was  not  in  the  nature  of  a 
ii  \v  or  rising  temperature,  but  may  be  ex- 
plained by  that  expressive  word  with  which  the 
reader  is  familiar — blizzard. 

Whoever  has  gone  through  one  of  those 
frightful  visitations  will  never  forget  it.  That 
one  of  a  few  years  ago  was  so  general  through- 
out our  country  that  the  memory  must  remain 
through  life  with  us. 

But  a  blizzard  in  the  Arctic  regions  is  a  ter- 
ror, indeed.  It  meant  in  the  present  instance  a 
snowstorm  that  might  last  for  days,  a  hurricane 
of  wind,  and  a  temperature  of  such  fearful  cold 
that  would  consume  almost  like  fire. 

With  several  feet  of  snow  on  the  surface  of 
that  which  now  covered  the  ground,  and  too  fine 
to  bear  the  weight  of  the  lightest  animal,  with 
the  air  white  with  billions  of  particles,  eddying, 
whirling,  and  flying  hither  and  thither,  so  that 
one  could  not  see  a  step  in  advance — with  the 
gale  careering  like  a  demon  across  the  snowy 
wastes — ^the  strongest  hunter  might  well  shrink 


THE   COMING  SHADOW 


227 


of 
fine 
with 

ing. 
that 

the 

owy 

rink 


from   attempting  a  journey  one-tenth  of  that 
which  lay  hetween  them  and  the  coast. 

When  Jack  suggested  that  Docak  might  be 
mistaken,  he  shook  his  head  so  decisively  that 
it  sent  a  chill  through  the  boys,  who  were 
watching  his  dusky  countenance  and  listening 
to  his  words.  Such  a  man  spoke  that  whereof 
he  knew.  He  would  hold  out  hope,  if  he  had 
justification  for  doing  so,  but  he  saw  none. 

That  the  blizzard  was  at  hand,  that  it  was  al- 
ready careering  from  the  far  North  and  must 
speedily  arrive,  was  as  good  as  demonstrated. 
The  only  chance  that  Docak  saw  was  that  it 
might  prove  of  shorter  duration  than  he  feared. 
If  it  should  'last  no  more  than  twelve  or  possibly 
twenty-four  hours,  they  might  struggle  through 
it,  without  serious  consequences,  but  if  beyond 
that  (as  he  was  almost  certain  it  would  be), 
there  was  little  hope. 

However,  since  they  must  stay  where  they 
were  until  the  following  morning,  preparations 
were  made  for  spending  the  night,  which,  it  will 
be  borne  in  mind,  was  by  no  means  as  long  as 


228 


AMONG       IE   ESQUIMAUX 


many  which  they  have  at  certain  seasons  in  the 
high  latitudes. 

It  was  decided  that  Rob  should  sit  up  until 
midnight  and  then  awake  Fred,  who,  after 
standing  guard  for  several  hours,  would  arouse 
Jack  to  take  charge  until  daylight.  Inasmuch 
as  this  was  the  Esquimau's  own  proposition, 
which,  as  will  be  perceived,  relieved  him  of 
duty  for  any  part  of  the  night,  the  others  under- 
stood its  significance.  He  was  reserving  himself 
for  the  time  when  there  was  likely  to  be  more 
urgent  need  of  his  services. 

No  comment  was  made  on  the  fact,  and  the 
simple  preparations  were  quickly  finished.  Do- 
cak  added  a  caution  to  his  friends  that  they 
should  be  as  sparing  as  possible  in  the  use  of 
the  fuel.  They  had  already  consumed  a  moiety 
of  it,  and  the  approach  of  the  blizzard  would 
render  it  valuable  beyond  estimate.  Enough 
only  to  hold  the  wolves  at  a  safe  distance  was  to 
be  burned. 

Thus  it  came  about  that  an  hour  later  Rob 
Carrol  was  the  only  one  awake  in  the  cavern. 


to 


Uf 


THE  COMING  SHADOW 


229 


The  others  were  huddled  together  on  the  bear 
skin,  quietly  sleeping,  while  he  kept  off  drowsi- 
ness by  pacing  slowly  back  and  forth  over  the 
brief  space  within. 

*'  It's  getting  colder,"  he  said  to  himself  more 
than  once ;  "  I  had  a  hope  that  Docak  might  be 
wrong,  but  he  isn't ;  we  shall  catch  it  within  a 
few  hours.  This  is  a  bad  place  to  be  snowed 
up." 

He  glanced  continually  toward  the  entrance, 
for  he  could  not  forget  the  wolves  which  were 
the  indirect  cause  of  their  coming  peril.  They 
seemed,  in  spite  of  the  disgusted  remarks  of 
Jack,  to  have  become  satisfied  that  nothing  was 
to  be  gained  'by  hovering  about  the  refuge.  So 
many  of  their  comrades  had  fallen,  and  the  fire 
burned  so  persistently,  that  the  others  must  have 
felt  a  certain  degree  of  discouragement. 

Now  and  then  a  howl  echoed  among  the  deso- 
late hills,  with  a  strange  power,  and  was  imme- 
diately answered  by  scores  from  as  many  different 
points,  but  there  was  no  such  eager  crowding  as 
marked  the  first  appearance  of  the  brutes.   Rob 


i^ 


x== 


^^mn^^m^ 


230 


AMONG  THB  ESQUIMAUX 


glanced  repeatedly  at  the  opening  without  see- 
ing one  of  them. 

But  the  youth  was  too  wise  to  be  caught  off 
his  guard.  He  allowed  the  fire  to  smolder  until 
he  figures  of  his  friends  were  only  barely  visible 
in  the  glooi  ,  and  his  own  form  became  shadowy, 
as  it  slowly  moved  back  and  forth  over  the  floor 
of  the  cavern,  with  his  rifle  ready  for  instant  use. 

He  heard  a  soft  tip  tipping  on  the  snow,  and 
there  was  no  mistaking  its  meaning. 

"  They're  there,"  he  said,  peering  outward  in 
the  gloom  and  listening  intently,  "  and  are  as 
watchful  for  a  chance  as  ever." 

Turning  toward  the  crevice  which  admitted 
light,  and  was  too  straight  to  allow  the  smallest 
wolf  to  pass  through,  he  caught  the  glow  of  a 
pair  of  eyes. 

They  were  motionless,  and  the  wolf  evidently 
was  studying  the  interior  with  a  view  of  learn- 
ing the  prospect  for  an  excursion  within. 

The  temptation  to  fire  was  strong,  but  the  eyes 
noiselessly  vanished  before  the  .gun  could  be 
brought  to  a  level. 


THE  COMING  SHADOW 


231 


a 


Bob  stood  intently  listening.  He  heard  the 
stealthy  footsteps  pass  along  the  side  of  the  cav- 
ern toward  the  front,  and  he  moved  in  that 
direction,  but  placed  himself  at  one  side,  so  as 
to  be  out  of  sight  of  any  one  looking  directly 
into  the  mouth.  He  had  not  long  to  wait,  when 
the  same  keenness  of  ear  told  him  that  the  brute 
was  cautiously  entering.  The  fire  was  smolder- 
ing lower  than  ever,  the  brand  at  the  entrance 
had  died  out  long  before,  and  no  one  could  be 
seen  on  guard.  The  brute  must  have  made  up 
his  mind  that  he  had  "  struck  it  rich."  In  his 
selfishness  he  did  not  summon  his  friends  to  the 
feast,  but  resolved  to  devour  the  four  persons  all 
by  himself,  and  that,  too,  after  having  had  his 
full  share  of  the  musk  ox  and  his  fallen  friends ! 

There  was  just  enough  light  in  the  cavern 
for  Rob  to  note  everything.  Being  at  one  side 
of  the  entrance,  he  could  not  be  detected  by  the 
sneaking  brute,  which  also  was  invisible  to  him. 
He  must  come  further  forward  before  they  could 
discern  each  other. 

The  wolf,  one  of  the  largest  of  his  species. 


I 


282 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAXTX 


stood  just  outside  with  his  ears  pricked,  his 
head  raised,  and  his  eyes  roaming  over  the  inte- 
rior. Everything  looked  promising,  but  he  had 
learned  to  be  suspicious  of  those  bipeds,  whose 
hands  were  always  against  them. 

He  stood  in  this  attitude  for  several  minutes, 
as  stationary  as  if  carved  in  stone.  Then  he 
lifted  one  of  his  fore-feet,  held  it  suspended,  as 
though  he  were  pointing  game,  and  then  ad- 
vanced a  couple  of  steps.  This  brought  him 
far  enough  into  the  cavern  for  the  lad  to  see  the 
end  of  his  nose,  but  the  beast  still  failed  to  de- 
tect that  shadow  at  one  side  of  the  entrance  that 
was  calmly  awaiting  the  critical  moment. 

But  he  saw  the  dimly  outlined  forms  near  the 
smoldering  fire,  and  licked  his  chops  in  antici- 
pation. Nothing  could  be  more  favorable  for 
the  grandest  feast  of  his  life. 

At  that  moment  a  howl  rent  the  air  at  no 
great  distance.  It  must  have  startled  this 
prowler,  and  told  him  that,  if  he  delayed  his 
meal  any  longer,  he  must  share  it  with  an  un- 
limited number. 


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THE  COMING  SHADOW 


233 


He  started  on  a  silent  walk,  straight  for  the 
forms,  heedless  of  the  figure  that  had  pointed 
the  rifle  at  him,  while  he  was  yet  out  of  sight. 
All  was  like  the  tomb  until  the  gun  was  fired. 
Then  since  the  muzzle  almost  touched  the  brute, 
why— enough  has  been  said. 


r 


mmmmmimimmm 


UTiiT  yidiii' 


J.'.JLLg.li'.  f. ".!  lwwT^l»W^^fp>ffwp|T 


zssesssBSBamm 


CHAPTER  XXVI 


WALLED   IN 


By  daybreak,  when  all  the  party  were  awake, 
the  blizzard  foretold  by  the  native  had  fully 
arrived. 

It  was  a  terror,  indeed.  The  cold  was  fright- 
ful, and  the  air  outside  was  white  with  snow, 
which  was  driven  horizontally  by  the  hurricane, 
as  though  shot  from  the  mouths  of  myriad 
pieces  of  ordnance.  It  shrieked  about  the 
cavern,  and  drove  the  white  particles  so  fiercely 
through  the  narrow  crevice  that  Docak  hastened 
to  shove  his  bear  skin  into  it.  This  only 
partially  filled  the  opening  and  the  snow  spun 
in  around  it  clean  across  the  flinty  floor. 

The  regular  entrance  was  partly  protected  by 
its  own  projection,  but,  at  times,  a  blast  entered 
that  fairly  took  away  their  breath.  The  fire 
was  necessary  to  keep  from  freezing,  but  the 
supply  of  fuel  was  growing  low,  and  the  last 
234 


, 


WALLED   IN 


235 


stick  must  soon  be  reached.  What  then  would 
be  the  fate  of  the  party  if  the  blizzard  con- 
tinued ? 

It  was  useless  to  discuss  the  future  and  no 
one  did  so ;  the  present  was  with  theni,  and  the 
question  was  how  to  live  from  hour  to  hour. 

On  shooting  the  intruding  wolf,  Rob  had 
flung  his  carcass  away.  The  report  awakened 
the  others,  and,  rising  to  his  feet,  Docak  passed 
far  enough  outside  to  bring  it  in  again.  He 
did  not  speak,  but  all  understood  the  meaning 
of  the  action  ;  that  body  might  be  the  means  of 
saving  them  from  starvation. 

Enough  of  the  previous  night's  meal  re- 
mained to  tifforrl  a  nourishing  breakfast,  but 
they  partook  gi-aringly,  preferring  to  use  that 
in  preference  to  the  new  supply.  Happily 
thirst  was  a  torture  that  need  never  be  appre- 
hended. 

Jack  Cosgrove  braved  the  blast  to  that  degree 
that  he  forced  himself  through  the  opening  and 
stood  several  minutes  outside,  shading  his  eyes 
and  striving  to  pierce  the  blinding  turmoil. 


rBTJsaTTSKai 


"■■  <'!■     i« 


- 


236 


AMOlfa  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


All  in  vain.  The  gale  almost  carried  him 
off  his  feet,  and  his  vision  could  no  more  pene- 
trate the  furious  swirl  of  snow  than  if  it  were 
the  darkest  night  that  ever  covered  the  earth. 
The  cold  was  so  piercing  that  he  was  glad  to 
hasten  back  among  his  friends,  and  shiver  and 
crouch  over  the  fire. 

"  By  the  great  horned  spoon,  Docak !  s'pose 
we  had  started  tor  home  last  night  ?" 

"  Wish  had,"  was  the  sententious  response. 

"  Why,  we  wouldn't  have  been  half-way  there 
by  this  time,  end  we  would  have  perished  all 
together." 

"  We  trabel  fast^ — mebbe  storm  not  dere  yet." 

This  intimation  that  the  blizzard  might  be 
less  terrific  at  so  slight  a  distance  was  incredible, 
but  the  Esojuimau  was  positive  that  it  would 
have  been,  far  better  had  they  set  out  early  in 
the  evening.  By  rapid  traveling  they  might 
have  covered  the  greater  part  of  the  distance 
before  morning,  and  could  have  fought  the  few 
remaining  miles  in  the  teeth  of  the  gale. 

But  it  was  equally  useless  to  discuss  what 


mmmmmm 


WALLED   m 


237 


; 


might  have  been.  They  were  imprisoned  in  the 
cavern,  thirty  miles  from  succor  and  with  no 
possibility  that  any  friends  would  ever  take  the 
trouble  to  search  for  their  bodies.  All  they 
could  do  was  to  rely  upon  Heaven  and  their 
own  exertions. 

Without  any  explanation  as  to  his  intentions, 
and  leaving  his  gun  behind  him,  the  native 
plunged  through  the  opening  and  disappeared 
in  the  blizzai     outside. 

Born  and  reared  in  Greenland,  amid  Arctic 
snow^s  and  appalling  tempests,  lie  hardy  Es- 
quimau was  far  better  fitted  to  iindeigo  such 
trials  of  endurance  than  could  be  any  native 
of  a  temperate  clime. 

"  Where  do  you  suppose  he  has  gone  ?"  asked 
Rob,  wonderingly. 

"I  don't  know,"  replied  Jack;  "but  if  he 
goes  far  he'll  never  come  back  again." 

"  It  doesn't  seem  to  me,"  said  Fred,  coming 
to  the  question  of  the  present  for  the  first  time, 
"  that  the  outlook  is  as  bad  as  he  would  make  us 
believe," 


MMffwipg  iMHWiFayy 


238 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


"  Why  not  r 

"  We  have  enough  food  to  last  a  week  or  two, 
or  even  longer,  and  the  blizzard  certainly  won*t 
keep  it  up  that  long." 

"  You  can't  be  sartin  about  that,"  said  Jack ; 
"it  may  last  for  several  weeks,  but  s'pose  it's 
only  for  three  or  four  days,  there  are  two  big 
things  that  we  must  face." 

"  What  are  they  ?" 

"  What  to  do  after  it  stops ;  the  snow  wUl  be 
several  feet  deep  on  top  of  that  which  is  now  on 
the  ground ;  it  will  be  too  fine  and  soft  to  bear  our 
weight,  and  can  be  traveled  over  only  with  snow- 
shoes  which  we  haven't  got.  How  then  are  we 
going  to  fight  our  way  thirty  miles  through  it  ?" 

"  It  will  be  a  hard  job,  but  no  greater  than 
that  which  many  explorers  have  undergone. 
With  Docak  as  our  guide,  I  think  we  can  pull 
through." 

"But  what  is  the  other  matter  you  refer  to?" 
asked  Rob. 

"  This  wood  will  soon  go,  and  then  how  are 
we  going  to  keep  from  freezing  to  death  ?" 


WALLED   IN 


239 


ull 


)M 


ire 


"If  we  will  huddle  together  as  closely  as  we 
can  with  the  hear-skin  wrapped  about  us  I  think 
we  can  stand  it." 

"  I  like  the  way  you  chaps  talk,"  said  the 
sailor,  admiringly,  "and  if  we  have  to  go  down 
we'll  do  so  with  colors  flying.  It's  the  down- 
heartedness  of  Docak  that  knocks  me  askew  ;  if 
he  would  show  a  braver  front  I  would  feel 
better." 

**  Possibly  he  is  more  hopeful  than  he  pre- 
tends." 

"  No,  he  isn't  that  sort  of  chap ;  he  knows 
better  than  we  just  what  all  this  means. 
Whew!" 

The  exclamation  was  caused  by  a  sudden  out- 
burst that  sent  the  snow  whirling  through  the 
opening  and  the  crevice,  from  which  the  bear- 
skin dropped,  as  if  struck  a  blow  from  the  other 
side.  Jack  ran  forward,  picked  it  up,  and 
thrust  it  back,  hardly  able  to  breathe  from  the 
fury  of  the  gale  in  his  face. 

The  snow  shot  through  the  opening,  too, 
scattering  the  brands  of  lire  in  every  direction. 


240 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


Had  the  shelter  been  anything  else  excepting 
the  solid  rock  that  it  was,  it  must  have  been 
swept  like  chaff  from  its  foundations. 

The  explosion,  as  it  may  be  called,  lasted  but 
a  minute  or  so.  The  boys  hastily  gathered  up 
the  scattered  brands  and  flinging  them  together 
they  were  fanned  by  the  tempest  into  a  vigorous 
flame,  whose  warmth,  slight  as  it  was,  was 
grateful  beyond  measure  to  the  three  gathered 
around  it. 

"  Docak  is  wrong  in  regretting  that  we  did 
not  start  last  night,"  said  Jack  Cosgrove ;  "  that 
style  of  storm  is  raging  at  this  moment  over 
hundreds  of  miles,  and  it  would  have  made  short 
work  of  us." 

"  What  about  the  *  Nautilus,'  if  she  is  in 

itr 

"She  can  manage  it  if  she  has  plenty  of  sea 
room,  but  I  hope  she  is  far  enough  off  to 
dodge  this  blizzard.  She  ought  to  be  at  any 
rate." 

The  gale  did  the  party  an  unexpected  favor. 
It  was  a  substantial  one,  too,  which  they  appre- 


WALLED   IN 


241 


Ben 

but 
I  up 
tlier 
rous 
was 
lered 

e  did 
'that 
over 
short 

is  in 

)f  sea 
)ff  to 
it  any 

I  favor, 
ippre- 


ciated.  It  drove  the  snow  against  the  trouble- 
some crevice  with  such  fury  that  it  quickly 
formed  a  solid  bank,  extending  far  above  it. 
This  ended  the  drifting  of  the  particles  inside 
and  protected  them  from  the  cutting  wind. 

At  the  same  time  it  did  something  of  the  same 
nature  with  the  entrance,  where  it  soon  became 
banked  to  that  extent  that  little  blew  within, 
and  the  gale  hardly  disturbed  them. 

Seeing  what  had  taken  place.  Jack  withdrew 
the  bearskin  from  where  it  had  been  stuffed  into 
the  opening  and  spread  it  in  the  farthermost 
corner  of  the  cavern. 

"Come,  my  hearties,"  said  he,  cheerfully, 
"  we've  got  nothing  to  do  but  to  make  ourselves 
comfortable.  We  won't  burn  any  more  wood 
till  Docak  comes  back." 

They  huddled  together,  and,  though  the  cold 
made  their  teeth  chatter  and  their  bodies  shiver, 
they  found  considerable  relief  and  were  willing 
to  hope  on. 

They  could  feel  no  anxiety  about  the  absent 
native.  It  was  certain  he  would  not  go  far 
16 


242 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


enough  from  the  cavern  to  endanger  his  safety 
or  to  imperil  his  return.  Some  definite  object 
must  have  led  him  forth. 

"  I  wonder  if  it  is  for  food,"  suggested  Fred. 

"  No ;  for  there's  no  possibility  that  the  wolves 
left  anything,"  replied  Rob;  "and  then,  too, 
we  have  enough  to  last  a  good  while." 

At  that  moment  there  was  a  flurry  at  the 
entrance  and  the  Esquimau,  resembling  a  snow 
man,  stooped  and  pushed  his  way  in. 

Entering,  he  flung  a  half-dozen  small  sticks 
upon  the  tiny  pile  at  the  side  of  the  cavern. 
He  had  gone  forth  in  quest  of  fuel  and  was  able 
to  secure  only  that  miserable  supply,  really  not 
worth  taking  into  account. 


-I. 


CHAPTER  XXVII 

"  COME  ON  I" 


The  Esquimau's  depression  continued.  After 
fliijging  down  the  few  bits  of  wood  he  looked 
across  the  cavern  to  where  the  friends  were  hud- 
dled together,  but  did  not  speak.  Then  he 
glanced  at  the  crevice,  now  so  completely 
blocked  with  snow  that  they  were  protected 
against  any  more  drifting  in  upon  them. 

The  three  respected  his  silence,  and  lield 
their  peace.  He  stood  a  minute  or  two,  looking 
gloomily  inio  the  fire,  which  he  replenished, 
partly  from  the  scant  supply  he  had  brought. 
While  it  was  gaining  strength  he  drew  his 
knife,  deftly  cut  a  number  of  pieces  from  the 
frozen  body  of  the  wolf,  and  proceeded  to  cook 

« 

them  over  the  blaze.  Had  he  been  alone  he 
would  have  devoured  them  raw,  but  he  knew 
the  sentiments  of  his  companions. 

"Well,  Docak,"  said  Jack,  feeling  that  the 

^3 


■?!' 


244 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


silence  ought  not  to  continue,  "  it  looks  as  if  we 
are  in  for  a  long  stay.  We  shall  have  enough 
to  keep  us  alive  a  good  while,  and,  when  you're 
ready,  you  can  come  and  snuggle  down  beside 


us." 

"  Not  now,"  he  replied,  continuing  his  culi- 
nary work,  with  what  seemed  a  wasteful  disre- 
gard of  fuel  until  he  was  through. 

When  nothing  more  remained  worth  attention 
he  held  up  a  piece,  considerably  scorched,  and, 
looking  at  the  others,  asked : 

"  Eat  now  ?" 

"  No  ;  we'll  wait  till  morning,"  replied  Rob, 
speaking  for  the  rest. 

"  All  right." 

But  he  was  not  disposed  to  wait  if  they  were. 
He  made  quite  a  meal,  with  as  much  evident 
enjoyment  as  if  it  had  been  upon  the  choicest 
part  of  the  musk  ox.  He  took  care,  however,  to 
leave  a  good  supply  against  the  "  rainy  day  " 
that  he  felt  no  doubt  would  come  to  them  all. 

The  dismal  day  wore  slowly  away,  and  with 
a  feeling  of  unutteiable  loneliness  they  saw  the 


"come  on!'* 


245 


second  night  of  their  enforced  stay  in  the  cav- 
ern close  around  them.  The  cold  seemed  to 
intensify  with  the  approach  of  darkness,  and 
the  supply  of  wood  had  grown  so  slight  that  the 
warmth  was  barely  perceptible. 

The  blizzard  raged  with  unabated  fury.  The 
gale  shrieked  around  the  rocks,  the  blinding 
snow  whirled  and  eddied  until  it  seemed  that  it 
must  bury  them  out  of  sight,  and  the  outlook 
was  woeful  enough  to  chill  the  bravest  heart. 
The  three  in  the  corner  adhered  to  their  resolu- 
tion not  to  eat  any  of  the  food  prepared  before 
the  morrow.  They  might  need  it  then  to  aid 
their  systems  in  withstarJing  the  terrific  strain, 
but,  as  in  the  case  of  the  bear  on  the  iceberg,  it 
must  be  the  last  resort. 

The  Esquimau  declined  their  invitation  to 
join  them  in  the  corner.  He  was  thickly  clad, 
and  was  so  accustomed  to  the  rigors  of  the  Arc- 
tic winter  that  he  needed  no  such  help.  He 
seated  himself  near  by,  and  talked  a  little,  until, 
at  a  late  hour,  troubled  sleep  settled  over  all. 

A  gleam  of  hope  came  with  the  break  of  day. 


246 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


Docak  was  the  first  to  awake,  and,  without  dis- 
turbing the  others,  he  forced  his  way  through 
the  entrance  and  took  a  survey  of  the  weather 
and  his  surroundings. 

The  blizzard  was  over.  The  fall  of  snow  had 
ceased,  little  wind  was  stirring,  but  the  cold  was 
terrible.  Toughened  as  he  was,  he  shrank  when 
first  exposed  to  it.  The  party  had  been  walk! 
in  so  tightly  that  the  warmth  of  their  bodies 
was  of  more  help  than  would  be  suspected. 

Quick  to  note  the  change  in  the  weather  the 
native  studied  the  sky  with  its  numerous  signs 
in  the  effort  to  learn  what  was  likely  to  come  in 
the  near  future. 

Great  as  was  his  skill  at  this  it  was  now 
taxed  to  the  utmost.  The  sun  was  not  visible, 
and  the  difficulty  became  the  greater ;  but  he 
tarried  until  he  had  perfected  his  theory. 

The  discouraging  feature  which  the  native 
saw  about  the  matter  was  that  the  blizzard  had 
ceased  for  a  time  only.  He  believed  it  would 
soon  resume  its  fury,  fully  as  great,  if  not  greater 
than  before,  and  it  might  continue  for  days  and 


"come  onI" 


247 


possibly  weeks.  If,  when  that  time  should 
come,  it  found  them  in  the  cavern  they  were 
doomed  beyond  the  power  of  mortal  man  to 
save  themselves. 

But  the  prospect  was  equally  hopeless,  if  the 
lull  lasted  only  a  few  hours,  for,  when  it  should 
break  forth  again  it  would  overtake  them  in  the 
open  plain  (provided  they  made  the  start  he 
had  in  mind),  where  no  screen  against  its  re- 
sistless power  could  be  secured. 

It  should  be  understood  that  Docak's  solicitude 
was  on  account  of  his  friends.  Had  he  been 
alone  he  would  not  have  hesitated  to  set  out  for 
the  coast,  and  with  every  reason,  too,  to  believe 
he  could  make  it,  even,  if  the  battle  of  the  ele- 
ments  were  renewed  when  but  a  small  part  of 
the  way  thither. 

But  he  had  three  others  in  charge,  and  it  was 
hard  to  decide  whether  to  urge  them  to  make 
the  attempt  now  or  wait  awhile,  in  the  hope 
that  he  could  settle  with  certainty  the  extent  of 
the  cessation  of  the  blizzard. 

The  additional  snow  was  between  two  and 


[ 


: 


248 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


three  feet  deep,  where  it  had  not  been  drifted 
by  the  gale.  With  the '  help  of  snow-shoes  it 
would  have  been  an  easy  matter  to  skim  over  it, 
but  there  were  no  snow-shoes  to  be  had,  as  has 
been  shown,  the  new  fall  was  of  such  fine  char- 
acter that  they  would  sink  its  full  depth  when 
essaying  to  walk  upon  it. 

When  he  turned  about  and  re-entered  the 
cavern  his  friends  were  astir.  Their  appetites 
had  assumed  that  edge  that  they  eagerly  at- 
tacked some  of  the  meat  prepared  the  night 
before.  The  few  embers  had  been  stirred  into 
a  sickly  blaze,  but  not  another  stick  remained. 
The  warmth  was  only  perceptible  when  the 
chilled  hands  were  held  almost  against  it. 

The  Esquimau  smiled  grimly  when  he  saw 
what  they  were  doing,  but  with  the  reticence  that 
had  marked  his  course  since  refuge  was  taken 
in  the  cavern,  he  held  his  peace.  Jack  greeted 
him  pleasantly,  and  he  nodded  in  return,  and 
then  again  passed  outside. 

The  sailor  and  lads  had  peeped  after  him,  and 
discovered  that  the  fall  of  snow  was  over,  and 


**COME  on!*' 


249 


the  wind  was  not  blowing.  This  gave  them 
considerable  hope,  inasmuch  as  they  were  un- 
able to  read  its  full  meaning  like  the  native. 

"  It's  easy  enough  to  see  what  he  has  on  his 
mind,"  remarked  Jack. 

"  What  is  it  ?"  queried  Rob. 

"  He  is  considering  whether  we  shall  make  a 
start  now  for  the  coast  or  wait  awhile  longer." 

"What's  the  use  of  waiting,"  asked  Rob, 
"when  it  can't  be  any  better  and  may  grow 
worse?  The  snow  that  has  fallen  will  stay 
where  it  is  for  months,  so  we  can  gain  nothing 
there.  I'm  in  favor  of  starting  for  home  while 
it  is  yet  morning." 

"  That's  the  way  it  strikes  me,  but  he'll  make 
up  his  mind,  and  whatever  he  says  we'll  do. 
He  isn't  in  the  mood  to  take  any  advice  from 
us ;  I  never  seed  him  so  glum  before." 

"We're  quite  well  protected,"  added  Fred, 
who  was  eager  to  be  off  if  that  should  be  the 
decision  ;  "  we  have  the  thickest  kind  of  cloth- 
ing, heavy  shoes,  and  warm  undergarments. 
Then  we  mustn't  forget  that  when  we  start 
through  the  snow  the  labor  will  help  to  warm 


I  i 


11 


;. 


:      1! 


I  i 


i!i 


i 


li! 


250 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


US.  Fact  is,  I  don't  understand  why  Docak 
hesitates." 

The  Esquimau  used  less  time  than  they  sup- 
posed in  reaching  his  conclusion.  But,  with  a 
view  of  giving  him  a  hint  of  their  wishes,  Jack 
and  the  boys  prepared  themselves  as  if  it  had 
been  settled  that  they  should  venture  at  once 
upon  the  perilous  attempt.  They  carefully 
adjusted  their  clothing,  tying  the  lower  parts 
of  their  trousers  about  their  ankles,  so  as  to 
keep  out  the  snow,  buttoned  their  heavy  coats 
to  their  chins,  pulled  up  the  collars  more  care- 
fully, and  fixed  their  caps  in  place,  though  all 
this  had  been  done  to  &  certain  extent  before. 

When  nothing  remained  they  ranged  them- 
selves in  a  row  beside  the  entrance  and  awaited 
the  appearance  of  their  guide. 

He  came  in  the  course  of  a  few  minutes.  He 
started  slightly  when  he  read  the  meaning  of 
it  all. 

"  We're  ready,"  said  Jack,  with  a  smile. 

"  All  right — we  go — foUer  me — come  on  I" 
and  he  led  the  way  out,  and  they  turned  their 
backs  on  the  cavern  forever. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII 


A  HOPELESS   TASK 


A  FEARFUL  task  confronted  the  little  party. 
Thirty  miles  of  snow,  several  feet  deep,  lay 
between  them  and  their  only  haven  of  refuge, 
and  they  were  without  sled  or  snow-shoe.  If 
they  succeeded  in  their  prodigious  task,  it  must 
be  done  by  sheer  strength  and  the  power  of 
continued  desperation. 

But,  with  compressed  lips  and  the  resolution 
to  do  or  die,  they  bent  to  the  work  without 
faltering. 

The  Esquimau  naturally  took  the  lead  to 
break  the  way  so  far  as  he  could;  Jack  Cos- 
grove  came  next,  then  Rob  Carrol,  while  Fred 
Warburton  brought  up  the  rear. 

The  first  move  that  the  native  made  proved 
he  was  a  veteran.  He  plunged  in,  following 
the  decline  down  to  the  plateau,  whieli  was  the 
scene  of  their  adventures  two  days  before.     He 

251 


IP 


252 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


l! 


walked  like  one  who  had  only  an  ordinary 
tramp  before  him.  In  truth,  he  could  have 
gone  faster  and  done  better,  but  he  accommo- 
dated himself  to  his  friends,  to  whom  the  labor 
was  new  and  trying  to  a  degree. 

None  spoke  for  a  long  time.  It  requires 
strength  to  do  even  so  slight  a  thing  as  that, 
and  no  one  had  an  ounce  to  spare.  The  ques- 
tion that  was  uppermost  in  the  minds  of  the 
three  was  whether  they  would  be  able  to  hold 
out  to  the  end. 

"  I  don't  see  why  we  can't,"  reflected  Fred, 
who,  being  at  the  rear,  had  an  easier  task  than 
any  of  the  others  ;  "  it  would  bo  well  enough  if 
we  had  snow-shoes,  but  neither  Jack  nor  Rob 
nor  I  can  use  them,  and  we  would  flounder 
around  a  good  deal  worse  than  we  are  doing 
now  and  likely  enough  wouldn't  get  ahead  at 
all." 

The  meditations  of  Rob  Carrol  were  of  a 
similar  strain. 

"  I've  seen  better  fun  than  this,  but  it  beats 
staying  in  the  cavern  and  freezing  to  death  on 


w^ 


A  HOPELESS  TASK 


253 


lary 
aave 
imo- 
abor 

uiies 
that, 
ques- 
f  the 
hold 

Fred, 
:  than 
igh  if 
•  Rob 
Dunder 
doing 
ead  at 

of  a 

t  beats 
iath  on 


wolf  steak.  I  believe  I*m  strong  enough  to  see 
the  business  through ;  I  hope  Fred  won't  give 
out,  for  he  isn't  as  strong  as  Jack  and  I.  1  be- 
lieve Docak  enjoys  it.  Gracious  !  if  I  ever  live 
to  get  out  of  this  outlandish  country,  I'll  never 
set  foot  in  it  again.  I  haven't  lost  any  North 
Pole,  and  those  that  think  they  have  can  do 
their  own  hunting  for  it." 

The  sun  still  remained  obscr^red,  and  the 
wonder  of  the  three  was  how  their  guide  kept 
his  bearings,  after  debouching  from  the  high- 
lands and  entering  upon  the  broad,  undulating 
plain  which  stretched  away  to  Davis  Strait  and 
Baffin's  Bay.  There  was  no  misgiving,  how- 
ever, in  that  respect.  Docak  could  not  go 
astray,  or,  at  least,  if  there  was  any  likelihood 
of  his  doing  so,  not  one  of  his  friends  was  able 
to  help  him. 

As  the  boys  had  anticipated,  the  labor  of  walk- 
ing in  this  difficult  fashion  soon  generated  a 
warmth  in  their  bodies  that  was  a  vast  comfort, 
after  sitting  benumbed  and  shivering  so  long  in 
the  cavern.     Despite  the  extreme  cold  they  felt 


254 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


no  discomfort,  for  the  air  was  quite  dry,  and  less 
trying,  therefore,  than  a  damp  atmosphere  would 
have  been,  even  though  twenty-five  degrees 
higher. 

But  it  is  in  such  an  Arctic  climate  that  one 
can  have  his  limbs  or  a  portion  of  his  body 
hopelessly  frozen  without  suspecting  it.  All 
were  so  effectually  protected  that  only  a  small 
portion  of  their  faces,  their  eyes,  and  tips  of 
their  noses  were  exposed. 

The  bearskin,  which  has'  been  referred  to  as 
belonging  to  Docak,  was  carried  by  him  after 
his  usual  manner.  He  would  have  offered  it  to 
his  friends  in  turn,  had  he  not  known  that  it 
would  soon  have  become  a  burden  which  he 
could  carry  better  than  they. 

Jack,  who  trod  close  on  the  heels  of  the  Es- 
quimau, was  admiring  the  sturdy  manner  in 
which  he  plowed  through  the  snow,  his  labor 
being  much  greater  than  any  one  of  those  who 
followed  him,  when  the  native  turned  his  head 
and  scanned  his  face  with  curious  intensity. 
Pausing  for  the  moment  in  his  labor,  he  leaned 


A   HOPELESS   TASK 


255 


to  one  side,  and  did  the  same  to  the  others.  His 
act  was  all  the  more  singular  since  he  did  not 
speak.  The  lads  smiled  under  their  head- 
coverings,  but  their  faces  were  so  wrapped  up 
that  the  relaxation  of  the  features  could  not  be 
perceived. 

"I  wonder  why  he  did  that,"  thought  all 
three. 

"The  chap  has  been  acting  curious  ever 
since  this  trouble  began,"  continued  the  sailor, 
"  and  I  wouldn't  be  *sprised  if  he's  just  a  little 
off." 

"Can  it  be,"  asked  Rob,  following  up  a 
whimsical  idea,  "  that  he  fears  we  aren't  our- 
selves ?  He  has  started  out  to  take  us  to  the 
seacoast,  and  doesn't  mean  that  anybody  else 
shall  rope  himself  in  on  him.  I  guess  he's  satis- 
fied, though  we're  so  covered  up  that  our  nearest 
friends  wouldn't  know  us." 

For  fully  an  hour  the  party  toiled  on,  and 
all,  with  the  exception  of  the  leader,  began  to 
feel  the  effects  of  the  severe  exertion.  Still,  no 
one  protested  or  asKcd  for  rest ;  each  determined 


256 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


to  keep  it  up,  if  possible,  until  the  leader  chose 
to  halt. 

But  Docak  did  not  forget  them.  At  the  end 
of  the  time  named  he  turned  about,  and,  with 
something  of  his  old  pleasantry,  said : 

"  Much  tired — wait  while — den  go  on." 

Each  of  the  boys  longed  to  ask  him  what  he 
thought  of  the  prospect  of  getting  through,  but 
forebore,  recalling  his  moodiness,  which  might 
be  stil!  upon  him  despite  his  present  manner. 

"I  think  we're  doing  quite  well,  Docak," 
said  Jack ;  "  it's  a  little  hard,  but  we  can  take 
a  breathing  spell  now  and  then,  and  keep  at  it 
till  we  strike  your  home." 

Had  the  Esquimau  made  any  response  to  this 
half-inquiring  remark  the  sailor  would  have 
followed  it  up,  but  he  did  not.  .On  the  con- 
trary, he  was  busy  studying  the  sky  and  the 
surrounding  landscape,  doubtless  with  a  view 
of  determining  what  weather  changes  im- 
pended. 

The  others  did  the  same,  but  though  Jack 
had  learned  a  good  deal  of  the  science  at  sea  he 


A  HOPELESS  TASK 


267 


was  now  at  a  loss.  The  dull,  leaden  sky,  so  ob- 
scured that  it  was  impossible  to  tell  in  what  part 
of  the  heavens  the  sun  was,  told  him  nothing 
beyond  the  fact  that  more  snow  was  likely  to 
fall  before  many  hours. 

As  the  best  thing  that  could  be  done,  the 
friends  studied  the  actions  of  the  Esquimau. 

The  result  of  his  survey  was  not  satisfactory — 
that  was  clear.  He  shook  his  head  and  mut- 
tered something  in  his  own  language,  which  had 
anything  but  a  pleasant  effect  on  the  others. 

The  scene  was  one  of  utter  loneliness  and 
desolation.  North,  east,  south,  and  west  stretched 
the  snowy  plain,  unrelieved  by  tree,  house,  or 
sign  of  a  living  creature.  Far  up  in  the  sky 
sounded  the  honk  of  some  wild  fowl,  and,  look- 
ing aloft,  a  line  of  black  specks  could  be  seen, 
sailing  swiftly  southward  through  space,  as  if  to 
escape  the  Arctic  cold  that  would  soon  smother 
everything  in  its  icy  embrace. 

The  rest  was  barely  ten  minutes,  when  Docak, 
looking  at  his  companions,  asked : 

"Be  rested?    We  go  on?" 
17 


258 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


I  " 


"  Yes ;  we're  ready,"  replied  Jack. 

"All  right — work  hard  now — don't  get 
tired." 

"  I  won't,  if  I  can  help  it ;  but  the  only  way 
I  know  of  is  to  stand  still,  which  don't  pay  in 
this  kind  of  business." 

The  Esquimau  bent  to  his  work,  as  if  striving 
for  a  wager.  He  had  a  way  not  only  of  step- 
ping down  in  the  soft  snow,  but  of  shoving  it 
partly  aside  from  his  path.  It  would  have  been 
the  severest  kind  of  labor  for  any  else,  and  it  is 
hard  to  understand  how  he  managed  it  so  well. 
It  was  a  great  help  to  the  one  immediately  be- 
hind him.  Jack  would  have  been  glad  to 
lighten  the  task  for  the  boys,  but  that  was  out 
of  his  power,  and  he  wasted  no  strength  in  the 
attempt. 

The  party  was  becoming  accustomed  to  the 
work.  That  the  guide  was  aware  of  this  was 
proven  when  he  kept  at  it  fully  twice  as  long  as 
before.  They  were  going  slowly — very  slowly — 
but  tLere  was  comfort  in  the  consciousness  that 
every  step  taken  was  toward  safety,  and  the 


A  HOPELESS  TASK 


269 


task  before  them  was  lessened,  even  to  that  small 
extent. 

m 

At  the  moment  the  boys  were  beginning  to 
think  it  about  time  another  halt  was  called, 
Docak  stopped  in  his  former  abrupt  way,  and, 
leaning  to  one  side,  peered  into  each  face  in 
turn. 

Something  in  Fred's  appearance  caught  his 
attention,  and,  with  an  e  vclamation,  he  sprang 
out  of  the  path,  and  hurried  back  to  where  the 
lad  stood,  wondering  what  was  the  matter  with 
the  fellow. 


CHAPTER  XXIX 


TEN  MILES 


DocAK,  when  flurried,  generally  forgot  his 
broken  English,  and  spoke  in  his  own  tongue. 
Before  Fred  could  divine  his  intention  he  had 
slipped  ofi^  one  of  his  mittens,  grasped  a  hand- 
ful of  snow,  and  throwing  one  arm  about  the 
boy's  neck,  began  rubbing  his  nose  as  though 
he  meant  to  rub  it  out  of  existence. 

The  watchful  native  was  on  the  watch  for  the 
first  sign  of  freezing  in  the  case  of  his  com- 
panions, and,  discovering  that  the  youngest 
member  was  becoming  a  victim  without  himself 
or  friends  suspecting  it,  he  resorted  to  heroic 
measures,  with  no  unnecessary  delay. 

Fred  understood  what  it  all  meant,  and,  like 
the  sensible  boy  he  was,  submitted  with  good 
grace,  though  the  vigorous  handling  to  which 
that  organ  was  subjected  made  it  hard  for  him 
to  keep  from  protesting.  Not  only  that,  but, 
260 


TEN  MILES 


261 


when  the  Esquimau,  pausing  to  inspect  his  work, 
said : 

"All  right,"  Fred  thanked  him. 

Jack  and  Rob,  who  looked  grinningly  on, 
while  the  performance  lasted,  now  asked  Docak 
whether  they  were  in  need  of  a  similar  manipu- 
lation. He  took  another  look  at  the  faces,  and 
gave  Rob's  a  slight  rubbing,  but  said  nothing 
more  was  needed. 

It  was  a  piece  of  thoughtfulness  on  the  part 
of  the  native,  for  which  he  deserved  to  receive 
gratitude.  But  for  him  Fred  Warburton,  and 
probably  the  others,  would  have  suffered  in- 
juries from  which  they  never  could  have  re- 
covered. 

Having  rested  but  a  brief  while,  Docak  moved 
on,  and  the  dismal  procession  wound  its  way 
slowly  through  the  snow,  which  clogged  their 
feet  and  obstructed  their  path  to  that  extent  that 
more  than  once  the  hardy  guide  had  to  come  to 
a  full  halt  that  he  might  decide  in  what  way  to 
flank  the  obstacle. 

The  blizzard  had  played  fantastic  tricks  with 


r^ 


262 


AMONG   THE  ESQUIMAUX 


|![ 


II 


the  snow.  In  many  places  it  was  drifted  to  a 
depth  of  six  or  eight  feet,  through  which,  as  may 
be  supposed,  it  was  the  severest  labor  to  force  a 
path.  In  others,  again,  it  had  swept  the  crust 
entirely  clear  of  the  new  layer,  so  that  they 
walked  as  easily  as  when  making  their  way  from 
the  coast.  Unfortunately,  these  bare  places,  as 
they  may  be  called,  were  not  only  few  and  far 
apart,  but  of  such  slight  extent  that  their  aid 
counted  for  little. 

There  is  nothing  more  cheering  than  the  cer- 
tainty that  we  are  approaching  our  goal,  even 
though  the  rate  of  progress  is  more  tardy  than 
we  wish.  As  the  afternoon  drew  to  a  close  Fred 
was  positive  they  had  made  fully  twenty  miles. 
Rob  believed  it  was  more,  but,  to  be  on  the  safe 
side,  fell  in  with  his  friend's  figures.  When 
Jack  was  appealed  to  he  declined  to  luiznrd  a 
guess,  saying  he  preferred  to  wait  till  the  halt 
for  the  night,  when  he  would  leave  it  to  Docak. 

"  He'll  tell  you  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile," 
added  the  sailor,  "  and  he  won't  make  a  mis- 
take.    I  can  let  you  know  one  thing,  howsura- 


TEN    MILES 


263 


ever,  ray  hearties,  and  that  is  that  you'll  find  it 
a  good  deal  Ir.-^s  than  you  think." 

"  I  don't  know  about  that,"  said  Rob ;  "  Fred 
and  I  have  calculated  the  matter  j)retty  closely." 

"You  may  think  so,  but  you  haven't.  We 
have  worked  hard  enough  to  tramp  a  hundred 
miles,  but  we  haven't  been  able  to  use  it  in  the 
best  way." 

Another  fact,  which  might  mean  a  good  deal 
or  little,  was  that  a  marked  moderation  in  the 
temperature  took  place  in  the  course  of  the 
afternoon.  What  this  portended  was  left  to  the 
Esquimau  to  determine.  Toiling  through  the 
snow  was  not  favorable  to  conversation,  and  it 
was  dropped. 

With  only  short  halts  the  party  pushed  on- 
ward, until  night  began  settling  over  the  dreary 
landscape.  They  would  have  kept  on  had  not 
the  darkness  been  impenetrable.  The  sun  had 
not  shown  itself  during  the  day,  and  the  ob- 
scurity was  so  dense  that  not  a  solitary  star 
twinkled  overhead. 

"  Besides,"  as  the  boys  concluded,  "  the  rest 


! 


1] 


!^  \ 


m, 


264 


AMONG   THE  ESQUIMAUX 


of  the  distance  is  so  brief  that  we  can  afford  to 
leave  it  until  morning,  by  which  time  we  will 
be  fully  rested.  Inasmuch  as  it  is  necessary  to 
pass  a  night  on  the  road,  one  spot  is  as  good  as 
another." 

Camping  at  such  times  is  simple.  They  were 
in  the  middle  of  a  snowy  waste,  without  tre»'  ov 
rock  to  shelter.  Starting  a  fire,  of  course,  was 
out  of  the  question.  A  slight  wind  was  blow- 
ing, and  though  less  rigorous  than  that  of  the 
preceding  night,  it  was  necessary  to  protect 
themselves  from  its  force  while  they  were  idle. 

For  a  few  minutes  Docak  acted  like  a  man 
seized  with  convulsions  or  the  St.  Vitus'  dance. 
He  leaped  about,  kicked,  and  swung  his  arms, 
the  snow  flying  in  a  storm  from  him,  until,  at 
the  end  of  a  few  minutes,  he  had  scooped  out  a 
bowl-like  space,  large  enough  to  hold  the  party. 
In  doing  this  he  cleared  the  way  down  to  the 
lower  crust  only,  which  was  strong  enough  to 
bear  their  weight.  To  have  dug  to  the  ground 
would  have  been  too  laborious,  and  no  special 
advantage  was  to  be  gained  by  doing  so. 


TEN   MILES 


265 


This  completed,  he  carefully  spread  his  bear- 
skin on  the  hard  surface,  and  the  four  aeuted 
themselves  back  to  back.  They  had  cam})ed 
for  the  night. 

The  discomforts  of  this  primitive  mothod 
were  less  than  would  le  supposed.  There  is 
warmth  in  snow,  as  you  are  well  aware,  cold 
being  a  negative  existence,  and,  so  long  as  they 
were  below  the  surface,  they  could  not  be  reached 
by  the  wind  that  swept  across  the  dismal  waste. 
Then,  too,  the  change  in  the  temperature  was  in 
the  right  direction  as  affecting  their  comfort,  so 
there  was  little  fear  of  suffering  before  morning. 

When  they  were  adjusted  for  the  night,  Rob 
asked  tl>e  question  of  Docak  which  had  been  in 
his  mind  for  hours : 

"  How  far  have  we  got  toward  home  ?" 

Fred  was  confident  the  answer  would  be 
twenty  miles;  while  Hob  was  quite  hopeful  it 
would  be  more.  Judge,  therefore,  their  con- 
sternation when  the  rej)ly  struck  their  ears : 

"Purty   near    ten    mile — not    quite — party 


near. 


>» 


i: 


ii 


I 


266 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


The  hopes  of  the  boys  sank  to  zero.  Jack, 
knowing  they  had  placed  their  estimate  too 
high,  still  believed  it  greater  than  was  the  fact. 

Ten  miles !  Barely  a  third  of  the  distance 
between  the  cavern  and  the  first  i)lace  that  could 
offer  refuge. 

They  had  used  a  day  in  advancing  thus  far. 
At  that  rate  two  more  days,  and  possibly  nights, 
remained  ere  the  terrible  task  would  be  ended. 
They  had  eaten  the  last  mouthful  before  start- 
ing, leaving  behind  hiome  food  which  they  might 
have  brought,  but  which  was  not  deemed  neces- 
sary. 

It  was  not  the  prospect  of  hunger  that  ap- 
palled them.  In  such  a  severe  climate  they 
could  go  a  couple  of  days  without  food,  and  not 
suffer  greatly,  though  the  draught  upon  their 
strength  would  be  trying  to  the  last  degree. 

The  great  question  was  whether  the  task  they 
had  essayed  was  a  possible  one.  Recalling  the 
terrific  exertions  of  t)\o  day,  their  exhaustion, 
and  the  repeated  rests  that  were  necessary,  they 
might  well  doubt  their  ability,  though  it  need 


iHMI 


TEN   MILES 


267 


not  be  said  there  was  no  thought  of  giving  up 
so  long  rs  life  and  strength  held  out. 

"  Ten  miles,"  repeated  Fred  Warburton  ;  "are 
the  Esquimau  miles  the  same  as  our  English,  or 
aren't  they  double  their  lengtli  ?" 

"  I  don't  know  about  that,"  said  Rob ;  "  tliey 
must  get  their  ideas  from  the  Danes,  who  have 
a  system  of  measurement  different  from  ours, 
but  it  don't  matter  in  this  instance." 

"  Why  not  r 

"  When  we  set  out,  and  after  reaching  live 
hills,  Docak  told  us  we  were  thirty  miles  from 
home ;  he  tells  us  now  that  we  are  ten  miles  less." 

"Not  quite  ten  mile — purty  near,"  inter- 
rupted the  native. 

"  Well,  calling  it  ten  miles,  we  have  come 
about  one- third  of  the  way  to  the  coatt.  No 
matter  what  system  of  meusurement  is  foii^jwed 
we  can't  figure  out  that  we  have  gone  t'urth4*r 
than  that." 

"  And  not  quite  that  far,"  sugpiMed  Jack, 
who  WAS  not  less  disappointed  than  tb«*y,  but 


was 


quicker  to  rally. 


Ill 


268 


AMOXO  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


"  It  isn't  the  thing  calculated  to  make  a  chap 
feel  good  to  learn  a  thing  like  that,"  he  added ; 
"  but  all  we've  got  to  do  is  to  buckle  down  to  it 
and  we'll  get  there  one  of  these  days,  with  fair 
sailing  and  no  more  squalls." 

**  It  is  thobe  squalls  or  blizzards.  Jack,  that 
are  the  real  danger  before  us." 

It  was  Kob  who  made  this  remark,  and  his 
friends  knew  he  spoke  the  tnith. 


im 


CHAPTER  XXX 


THE  LAST   PAUSE 


The  night  slowly  settled  over  the  snow  waste, 
and  the  little  party,  feeling  no  discomfort  be- 
cause of  the  cold,  gradually  sank  into  uncon- 
sciousness. 

Just  before  slumber  weighed  down  their  eye- 
lids the  dismal  howl  oi*  a  wolf  echoed  faintly 
across  the  plain.  All  heard  it,  and  Jack  and 
the  boys  believed  that  one  of  the  brutes  had 
struck  the  trail  of  the  hunters,  and  would  soon 
be  hot  upon  it,  with  an  eager  pack  at  his  heels. 
Jack  asked  the  Esquimau  whether  they  ought 
not  to  prepare  for  a  fight,  but  he  replied  that 
there  were  no  preparations  to  make.  Each  had 
his  loaded  gun  and  a  good  supply  of  ammu- 
nition ;  they  could  fight  as  well  there  as  in  any 
other  place. 

Docak  showed  no  trepidation  of  voice  and 
manner,  and  his  coolness  had  a  good  effect  upon 

269 


270 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


!! 


li 


i:). 


the  others.  They  were  sure  that,  if  there  was 
any  cause  for  alarm,  he  would  feel  it. 

This  confidence  proved  well  placed  ;  for  that 
single  cry  was  all  that  reached  their  ears.  They 
slept,  and  were  not  molested. 

But  sometime  during  the  night  the  fine  snow 
began  sifting  downward,  falling  so  gently  that 
even  the  Esquimau  was  not  disturbed.  Through 
the  long  gloomy  hours  it  silently  descended,  un- 
til when  the  daylight  stole  over  the  desolate 
plain,  fully  six  inches  had  been  added  to  the 
mass  that  covered  the  earth  long  before. 

Sitting  nearly  upright  and  back  to  back,  the 
pressure  upon  the  sleepers  was  so  slight  and 
gradual  that  no  discomfort  resulted.  All  were 
so  worn  out  that  their  slumber  was  profound, 
doubtless  lasting  as  long  as  it  would  have  done 
had  no  such  snowfall  taken  place. 

It  was  Jack  Cosgrove  who  first  opened  his  eyes, 
and  his  amazement;  may  be  imagined  when  he  was 
their  laps  buried  out  of  sight,  only  the  outlines  of 
their  limbs  showing,  while  head  and  shoulders 
were  weighted  down  with  the  feathery  mass. 


M.  i 


THi:    LAST   PAUSE 


271 


"  By  the  great  horned  spoon !"  he  called, 
shaking  himself  free  and  rising  to  his  feet,  with 
such  a  flurry  that  the  others  were  aroused ; 
"  wake  up,  for  we're  all  snowed  under,  and,  if 
we  wait  a  few  minutes  longer,  we'll  he  buried 
clean  out  of  sight." 

"  What's  the  matter  ?"  called  Rob,  being  the 
next  to  climb  to  his  feet ;  "  has  the  snow  tumbled 
in  on  us  ?" 

"  Yes ;  and  more  of  it  is  tumbling  every 
minute." 

Docak  was  astonished  that  he  had  not  been 
the  first  to  awake,  for  his  mind  was  burdened 
with  anxiety  for  the  rest.  He  forgot  that,  inas- 
much as  his  labors  had  been  far  greater  than 
theirs,  his  weariiless  of  body  was  in  more  need 
of  rest. 

"What  time  be  it?"  he  asled  of  the  boys, 
who  carried  watches. 

The  answer  showed  that  day  had  dawned 
more  than  two  hours  before.  He  siglied  at  the 
knowledge  of  the  precious  time  wasted.  Harder 
work  than  ever  was  before  them,  and  when  night 


m 


272 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


came  again  they  might  count  themselves  fortu- 
nate if  one-half  the  remaining  distance  was 
accomplished. 

Bising  to  their  feet,  with  their  heads  above 
the  surface,  they  found  the  snow  falling  so  fast 
that  they  could  not  see  fifty  feet  in  any  direc- 
tion. 

"  How  can  Docak  keep  his  bearings  ?"  asked 
Rob,  in  a  low  voice,  of  the  others,  when  the 
native,  walking  a  few  feet,  paused  and  looked 
earnestly  about  him. 

"  It  doesn't  seem  to  me  that  it  is  any  harder 
for  him  to  do  so  than  it  was  yesterday  when 
there  was  no  snow  falling.'* 

"  There  is  a  big  difference.  We  couldn't  have 
done  any  better  in  the  one  case  than  the  other, 
but  he  could  see  the  sky.  He  knew  where  the 
sun  was,  though  we  did  not;  and  there  must 
have  been  something  in  the  looks  of  the  land- 
scape to  help,  but  there  is  none  of  that  now." 

"  I  can  give  you  the  right  answer  to  Fred's 
question,"  said  Jack,  in  the  same  guarded 
undertone. 


THE   LAST   PAUSE 


273 


"What  is  itr 

"When  you  ask  whether  Docak  can  keep 
the  points  of  the  compass  in  his  mind,  and 
make  sure  that  he  is  heading  straight  for  home, 
the  real  answer  is — he  can't." 

Tliere  could  be  no  denying  that  the  sailor 
spoke  the  truth.  The  native,  like  the  Indians 
further  south,  may  have  possessed  a  subtle  skill 
in  the  respect  named  beyond  the  comprehen- 
sion of  his  more  civilized  neighbors,  but,  in  all 
cases,  there  is  a  limit  to  such  ability.  Where 
there  is  nothing  to  afford  guide  or  clue  no  living 
man  can  walk  in  a  straight  line — hour  after 
hour,  or  hold  his  way  undeviatingly  toward  a 
fixed  point  of  the  compass. 

But,  admitting  this  unquestioned  truth,  noth- 
ing was  more  self-evident  than  that  it  was  sure 
death  to  stay  where  they  were ;  the  one  and 
only  thing  left  to  them  was  to  push  on  while 
the  opportunity  was  theirs. 

The  Esquimau  was  a  man  of  deeds  rather 
than  words.  He  showed  no  disposition  to  dis- 
cuss tlie  situation,  and,  beyond  a  few  insignifi- 
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274 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


cant  words,  said  nothing  to  his  companions, 
who  were  as  eager  to  be  on  the  move  as  he.  He 
stood  a  minute  or  two  in  study,  and  then,  utter- 
ing the  words : 

"Come  on — work  hard — neber  stop,"  began 
pushing  through  the  snow  with  the  vigor  shown 
the  day  before. 

The  others  followed  in  the  order  named,  and 
with  a  resolution  as  strong  as  his  to  keep  it  up 
to  the  last  verge  of  endurance. 

It  was  necessary.  In  no  other  way  could 
they  escape  the  frightful  doom  that  impended. 
Another  condition  was  equally  necessary  ;  their 
efforts  must  be  rightly  directed.  The  guide 
must  lead  them  toward  the  sea-coast.  Had  he 
the  power  to  do  so  ?  The  test  was  now  going 
on,  and  the  question  would  soon  be  settled. 

They  were  terrible  words  spoken  by  Jack,' 
but  the  time  had  passed  when  he  felt  it  neces- 
sary to  mince  matters.  He  had  done  so  at  the 
beginning,  but  his  companions  were  not  children 
unable  to  bear  the  truth,  however  unpleasant  it 
might  be. 


THE  LAST  PAUSE 


275 


But,  despite  the  good  reason  in  what  he  said, 
neither  Rob  nor  Fred  quite  credited  its  full 
meaning.  While  they  could  not  explain  how 
any  person  could  guide  himself  unerringly, 
when  there  was  no  visible  help  for  the  eye, 
they  believed  that  somehow  or  other  he  would 
"  get  there  just  the  same." 

They  proved  their  own  earnestness  when 
Docak,  after  a  long  struggle  through  the  clog- 
ging snow,  stopped,  turned  about,  and  said  : 

"  You  be  tired — then  rest  awhile." 

"  No,"  responded  Fred,  "  I  want  no  rest." 

"  Push  on,  then,"  added  Rob,  "  unless  you  are 
tired  yourself,  Docak." 

The  idea  that  the  native  needed  rest  caused 
him  a  half-sitiile,  as  he  faced  forward  and  re- 
sumed his  weary  plowing  through  the  snowy 
mass. 

There  was  no  call  now  to  watch  the  counte- 
nances of  the  youths  to  )rotect  them  against 
freezing.  The  weather  was  so  moderate  that 
they  would  have  felt  more  comfortable  with 
their  outer  covering  removed.     If  the  blizzard 


276 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


I  ! 


Ml 


i  i\ 


had  come  back,  it  was  in  such  a  mild  form  that 
it  could  lay  no  claim  to  the  name.  It  was  sim- 
ply snowing  hard,  and  there  was  only  a  breath 
of  air  at  intervals.  Had  there  been  anything 
approaching  the  hurricane  of  two  days  before, 
they  could  not  have  fought  their  way  for  a 
single  rod. 

When  the  guide,  after  another  long  interval, 
proposed  a  brief  rest,  it  was  acquiesced  in  by  all. 
They  had  kept  at  it  longer  than  before,  and  the 
pause  must  have  been  grateful  to  Docak  himself. 

"  We  are  not  going  fast,"  remarked  Rob, 
"but  I  am  sure  we  have  covered  a  good  deal 
of  ground  since  starting,  and  when  we  go  into 
camp  to-night  there  ought  not  to  be  many  miles 
between  us  and  the  sea." 

"  Remember  the  mistake  we  made  in  our  cal- 
culations," said  Fred,  warningly,  "and  don't 
count  too  much." 

"  How  far  have  we  come  ?"  asked  Jack,  put- 
ting the  question  directly  to  the  Esquimau; 

"Dunno,"  he  answered,  turning  about  and 
resuming  his  labor. 


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THE  LAST  PAUSE 


277 


"That's  the  last  time  I  will  ask  him  any- 
thing," growled  the  sailor,  displeased  at  the 
curt  treatment. 

A  sad  story  awaits  our  pen.  The  poor  hunters 
toiled  on,  on,  on,  slower  and  still  more  slowly, 
with  the  snow  falling  thicker  and  still  more 
thickly,  and  the  uncertainty  growing  more  in- 
tensified as  the  day  wore  away.  With  short 
intervals  of  rest  they  kept  at  it  with  heroic 
courage,  until  at  last  the  shades  of  night  began 
closing  once  more  around  them.  Then,  all  of 
a  sudden,  the  Esquimau  uttered  a  despairing 
cry  and  threw  himself  down  in  the  snow. 

He  had  made  a  terrifying  discovery.  They 
had  come  back  to  the  very  spot  where  they 
spent  the  previous  night.  All  day  long  they 
had  journeyed  in  an  irregular  circle,  as  lost 
persons  almost  invariably  do,  and  the  dreadful 
labor  was  utterly  thrown  away. 

The  Esquimau  had  essayed  a  task  beyond  his 
power,  and  he  now  threw  up  his  hands  and 
would  struggle  no  more. 


CHAPTEK  XXXI 


ANOTHER   SOUND 


The  little  party  were  overwhelmed  with  dis- 
may. The  very  man  on  whom  they  had  relied 
from  the  beginning,  the  one  who  had  conducted 
them  thus  far,  and  the  one  who,  under  heaven, 
could  alone  guide  them  to  safety,  had  thrown 
up  his  hands  and  yielded  the  struggle.  He  lay 
on  the  snow  limp,  helpless,  and  despairing. 

The  new  fall  of  snow  had  almost  obliterated 
their  trail,  but  enough  remained  to  identify  it 
beyond  mistake.  The  cavity  which  Docak  had 
scooped  out,  and  in  which  they  slept,  was  recog- 
nized on  the  first  glance.  The  whole  day,  from 
the  moment  of  starting,  had  been  wasted,  in 
laboring  to  their  utmost  strength,  in  getting 
back  to  the  very  point  from  which  they  set  out, 
and  which  itself  was  twenty  miles  from  the  sea- 
coast. 

The  tendency  that  every  one  shows  to  travel 
278 


ANOTHER  SOUND 


279 


el 


in  a  circle,  when  lost,  has  been  explained  in 
various  ways.  It  is  probably  due  to  the  fact 
that  one  side  of  every  person  is  more  developed 
than  the  other.  A  right-handed  individual 
gradually  veers  to  the  left,  a  left-handed  one 
to  the  right,  while  a  really  ambidextrous  one 
ought  to  keep  straight  ahead. 

Jack  and  the  boys  remained  silent  for  a 
moment.  They  looked  down  on  the  prostrate 
figure,  and  finally  Fred  asked : 

"What's  the  matter,  Docak?" 

"  Gib  up — no  use — we  die — neber  see  home 

'gin." 

The  words  were  uttered  with  all  the  dejection 
that  it  is  possible  to  conceive,  and  the  native  did 
not  move.  He  acted  as  if  the  power  to  do  so 
had  gone  from  him. 

Suddenly,  to  the  astonishment  of  the  others. 
Jack  Cosgrove  gave  him  a  thumping  kick. 

"  Get  up !"  he  commanded ;  "  if  you're  such  a 
lubber  as  all  this,  I'll  take  you  by  the  neck  and 
boot  you  all  the  way  across  Greenland." 

And  as  a  guarantee  of  his  good  faith  he 


280 


AMONG  THE   ESQUIMAUX 


yanked  Docak  to  his  feet,  and  made  ready  for 
a  still  harder  kick,  when  the  fellow  moved 
nimbly  out  of  the  way. 

"  If  you  are  too  big  a  calf  to  go  on,  I'll  take 
the  lead,  and  when  I  flop  it'll  be  after  all  the 
rest  of  you've  gone  down." 

The  breezy  style  in  which  the  sailor  took 
hold  of  matters  produced  an  inspiriting  effect 
on  the  othjers.  Despite  the  grim  solemnity  of 
the  moments,  both  Bob  and  Fred  laughed,  as 
much  at  the  quickness  with  which  Docak  re- 
sponded as  anything  else. 

"Since  we  are  here  at  the  same  old  spot," 
said  Bob,  "  and  it  is  growing  dark,  we  might  as 
well  go  into  camp." 

"  That's  the  fact,  as  we  won't  have  to  scoop 
out  a  new  place  to  sleep  in.  I  suppose,  Docak, 
you're  able  to  sleep,  aint  you  ?" 

The  native  made  no  answer,  and  the  party 
silently  placed  themselves  in  position  for  an- 
other night's  rest,  Docak  not  refusing  to  huddle 
in  among  them.  But  there  was  little  talking 
done.     No  one  could  say  anything  to  comfort 


ANOTHEE  SOUND 


281 


the  others,  and  each  was  busy  with  his  own 
thoughts. 

It  need  not  be  said  that,  despite  the  fearful 
gloom  and  these  forebodings,  they  were  rave- 
nously hungry.  Their  bodies  were  in  need  of 
sustenance,  and  the  probability  that  they  could 
not  get  it  for  an  xxidefinite  time  to  come  was 
enough  to  deepen  the  despair  that  was  stealing 
into  every  heart. 

It  was  unto  Fred  Warburton  that  something 
in  the  nature  of  a  revelation  came  in  the  dark- 
ness of  that  awful  night.  His  senses  remained 
with  him  for  some  time  after  the  others  were 
asleep,  as  he  knew  from  their  deep,  regular 
breathing. 

The  snowfall  had  almost  ceased,  and  he  sat 
wondering  whether,  after  all,  the  end  was  at 
hand,  and  he  was  asking  himself  whether,  such 
seeming  of  a  surety  to  be  the  fact,  it  was  worth 
while  to  rise  from  their  present  position  and  try 
to  press  on  further.  If  die  they  must,  why  not 
stay  where  they  were  and  perish  together  ? 

These  thoughts  were  stirring  his  mind,  with 


282 


AMONG   THE   ESQUIMAUX 


many  other  solemn  meditations,  which  crowd 
upon  every  person  who,  in  his  right  senses, 
sees  himself  approaching  the  Dark  River,  when 
it  seemed  to  him  that  there  was  sounding,  at 
intervals,  an  almost  inaudible  roar,  so  faint  and 
dull  that  for  awhile  he  paid  no  heed  to  it,  deeming 
it  some  insignificant  aural  disturbance,  such  as 
causes  a  buzzing  or  ringing  at  times  in  the  head. 

But  it  obtruded  so  continually  that  he  began 
to  suspect  it  was  a  reality  and  from  some  point 
outside  of  himself. 

It  was  a  low,  almost  inaudible  murmur,  some- 
times so  faint  that  he  could  not  hear  it,  and 
again  swelling  out  just  enough  to  make  it  cer- 
tain it  had  an  actuality. 

Suddenly  the  heart  of  the  lad  almost  stood  still. 

"  It's  the  ocean  I"  he  whispered  ;  "  the  air  has 
become  so  still  that  I  can  hear  it.  The  plain  is 
open,  there  has  been  a  big  storm,  and  the  dis- 
tance is  not  too  great  for  it  to  reach  us.  But, 
no,  it  is  from  the  wrong  direction ;  it  can't  be 
the  sea." 

The   next  moment  he   laughed   at  himself. 


ANOTHER   SOUNC 


283 


Having  fixed  in  his  mind  the  course  to  the  home 
of  Docak,  and,  hearing  t^e  roar  from  another 
point  of  the  compass,  it  diVi  not  at  once  occur  to 
him  that  he  himself  ri'ght  be  mistaken. 

"  If  Docak,  with  all  his  experience  could  not 
keep  himself  from  going  astray,  what  wonder 
that  I  should  drift  from  my  moorings  ?  Yes, 
that  is  the  sound  of  the  distant  ocean  or  that 
part  known  as  Davis'  Strait  and  Baffin's  Bay. 
We  can  now  tell  which  course  to  take  to  get  out 
of  this  accursed  country." 

He  wished  to  awake  his  friends,  and  in  view 
of  their  hungry  condition,  urge  that  they  should 
set  out  at  once  ;  but  they  were  so  wearied  that 
the  rest  would  be.  grateful,  and  it  was  needed. 
And  so,  while  not  exactly  clear  as  to  what 
should  be  done,  he  fell  asleep  and  did  not  open 
his  eyes  until  morning. 

Docak  was  the  first  to  rouse  himself.  He 
found  that  the  snow  was  falling  again,  with  the 
prospect  worse  than  ever. 

Fred  sprang  to  his  feet  and  quickly  told  what 
he  had  discovered  the  evening  before. 


284 


AMONG  THE  SSQtJmAtTS: 


**  It  was  the  oceao,"  he  added,  with  a  shake 
of  his  head :  "  I  have  heard  it  too  often  to 
make  a  mistake — listen  I" 

All  were  silent,  but  the  strained  ear  could 
catch  no  sound  like  the  hollow  roar  which 
reached  the  youth  a  few  hours  before. 

"  I  don't  care ;  I  was  not  mistaken/'  he  in- 
sisted. 

"  Why  don't  we  hear  it  now  V*  asked  Rob, 
anxious  to  believe  what  he  said,  but  unable  fully 
to  do  so. 

"  There  was  no  snow  falling  at  the  time ;  the 
air  was  clearer  then,  and  what  little  wind  there 
was  must  have  been  in  the  right  direction." 

"  Where  did  sound  come  from  ?"  asked  the 
Esquimau,  looking  earnestly  at  Fred  and  show- 
ing deep  interest  in  his  words. 

"  From  off  yonder,"  replied  the  lad,  pointing 
in  the  proper  direction. 

"  He  right — dat  so — he  hear  sea,"  said  Docak, 
who,  to  prove  the  truth  of  his  words,  j,  minted 
down  at  the  dimly  marked  trail.  It  led  in  the 
precise  course  indicated  by  Fred.    In  other 


AirOTHEB  SOUND 


285 


mg 

«k, 
ted 
the 
ler 


words,  when  the  Esquimau  resumed  the  jour- 
ney on  the  preceding  morning,  at  which  time 
his  hearings  were  correct,  he  went  of  a  verity 
directly  toward  his  own  home,  which  was  the 
route  now  pointed  by  Fred  Warburton. 

The  others  saw  the  point,  and  admitted. that 
the  declaration  of  the  lad  had  been  proven  to 
be  correct  beyond  question. 

And  yet,  while  all  this  was  interesting  in  its 
way,  and  for  the  time  encouraged  the  others,  of 
what  possible  import  was  it  ?  The  conditions 
were  precisely  the  same  as  twenty-four  hours 
before,  except  they  were  less  favorable,  for  the 
comrades  in  distress  were  hungrier  and  weaker. 

But  they  could  not  hear  the  ocean,  the  snow 
was  falling,  and  there  was  no  way  of  guiding 
themselves. 

They  could  only  struggle  on  as  before,  hoping 
that  possibly  before  wandering  too  far  astray 
they  might  be  able  to  catch  the  roar  that  would 
be  an  infallible  guide  to  them  in  their  despairing 
groping  for  home. 

The  three  looked  at  Docak,  expecting  him  to 


286 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


take  the  lead,  as  he  had  done  from  the  start. 
It  may  be  said  that  Jack  Cosgrove  had  kicked 
the  Esquimau  into  his  proper  place  and  he  was 
prepared  to  stay  there  as  long  as  he  could. 

But  the  native,  instead  of  moving  off,  stood 
with  his  head  bent  and  his  ears  bared  in  the 
attitude  of  intense  attention. 

They  judged  that  he  was  striving  to  catch  a 
sound  of  the  ocean.    But  he  was  not. 

Truth  to  tell,  Docak  had  detected  another 
sound  of  a  totally  different  character,  but  far 
more  important  than  the  hollow  roar  of  the  far- 
away Arctic  Sea. 


irt. 

was 

ood 
the 

3h  a 

ther 

,  far 

far- 


CHAPTER  XXXII 

THE   WILD   MEN   OF  GREENLAND 

A  SHARP  bark  broke  the  stillness,  a  peculiar 
cry  followed,  and  then,  out  from  the  swirl  and 
flurry  of  the  eddying  snow,  came  a  string  of 
Esquimau  dogs.  There  were  six  couples  fas- 
tened to  a  rude  sleigh,  and  at  the  side  of  the 
frisky  animals  skurried  one  of  the  wild  men  of 
Greenland  on  snow-shoes,  and  with  a  whip  in 
hand  having  a  short  stock  and  a  very  long 
lash. 

Directly  behind  him  followed  two  similar 
teams,  and  then  a  fourth  emerged  with  seven 
spans  of  dogs.  There  was  a  driver  to  each,  and 
the  sieighs  were  loaded  with  pelts  intended  for 
the  nearest  settlement.  Not  one  of  the  Esqui- 
maux was  riding,  though  it  was  their  custom  to 
do  so  for  a  goodly  portion  of  the  way. 

This  singular  collection  of  men  and  animals 
were  approaching  in  a  line  that  would  have 

287       . 


288 


AMONG   THE  ESQUIMAUX 


carried  them  right  over  the  amazed  party  that 
were  about  to  start  on  their  hopeless  attempt  to 
reach  the  sea  coast,  had  they  not  veered  to  one 
side. 

When  the  foremost  driver  discerned  the  four 
figures  through  the  snow  he  emitted  a  sharp 
cry,  not  dissimilar  to  that  of  his  own  dogs,  and 
the  obedient  animals  halted.  The  othtjrs  did 
the  same,  and  in  a  few  minutes  the  forr  teams, 
with  their  drivers,  were  ranged  about  the 
others. 

These  individuals  were  genuine  Esquimaux, 
the  real  wild  men  of  Greenland.  Their  homes 
were  far  in  the  interior,  and  only  at  rare  inter- 
vals did  they  venture  forth  with  their  dogs  and 
sleighs  to  the  coast  settlements,  where  they  were 
welcome,  for  they  never  failed  to  bring  a  good 
supply  of  peltries  with  them,  for  which  they 
found  ready  barter  among  the  agents  of  the 
Danish  government. 

There  was  no  mixed  blood  among  these  Esqui- 
maux. They  were  copper-colored,  short,  of 
stocky  build,  and  with  more  muscular  develop- 


THE  WILD   MEN  OF   GREENLAND 


289 


ment  in  the  lower  limbs  than  is  seen  among  the 
coast  natives.  The  latter,  giving  most  of  their 
time  to  fishing  and  the  use  of  the  paddle,  have 
powerful  arms  and  shoulders,  but  as  a  rule  are 
weak  in  the  legs. 

They  were  warmly  clad  in  fiirs,  their  heads 
being  covered  with  hoods  similar  to  that  worn 
by  Docak,  but  there  was  nothing  in  the  nature 
of  the  dress  ornamentation  which  he  dis- 
played. 

None  of  the  party  could  speak  English,  but 
that  made  no  difference,  since  Docak  understood 
their  curious  gibberish.  An  animated  conver- 
sation began  at  once  between  him  and  the  four, 
who  gathered  about  him  while  Jack  and  the 
boys  stood  silently  listening  and  looking  upon 
the  singular  scene. 

What  the  guide  said  was  in  the  nature  of 
"  business."  They  had  talked  but  a  short  while 
when  one  of  the  wild  men  went  to  his  sleigh 
and  brought  forth  a  big  piece  of  cooked  reindeer 
meat,  evidently  a  part  of  their  own  liberal  supply 
of  provisions,  and  offered  it  to  Jack.  The  latter 
19 


'^ 


290 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


accepted  with  thanks,  shown  more  plainly  by 
manner  than  his  words. 

And  didn't  those  three  fellows  have  a  feast, 
with  Docak  himself  as  a  participant?  You 
need  to  be  told  no  more  on  that  point. 

The  guide,  after  the  brisk  interview,  ex- 
plained the  meaning  of  the  conversation  to  his 
friends. 

The  Esquimaux  were  on  their  way  to  Ivigtut, 
some  forty  miles  in  a  southwest  direction.  They 
had  come  a  long  way  from  the  interior,  having 
been  three  days  on  the  road,  and  it  was  their 
intention  to  push  matters  so  vigorously  that  they 
would  reach  the  famous  mining  town  that 
night. 

But,  best  of  all,  they  agreed  to  carry  the 
three  whites  as  passengers.  They  could  be 
stowed  in  the  sleighs  among  the  peltries,  as  the 
drivers  were  accustomed  to  do  at  times,  though 
they  were  capable  of  keeping  pace  with  thcj 
dogs  hour  after  hour  without  fatigue.  They 
would  do  so  now  on  their  snow-shoes,  and  the 
three  could  ride  all  the  way  to  Ivigtut. 


■WHSW^W^IP 


THE  WILD  MEN  OF  OBEENLAND 


291 


It  meant  the  rescue  and  salvation  of  the  party, 
who  were  in  the  uttermost  depths  of  despair  but 
a  few  minutes  before,  and  tears  of  thankfuhiess 
came  to  the  eyes  of  all  three. 

"  We  haven't  much  money  with  us,"  said  Rob, 
addressing  Docak,  "  but  we  will  pay  them  as 
well  as  we  can  when  we  reach  Ivigtut." 

"Don't  want  much,"  replied  the  grinning 
guide,  "  jes'  little  money — two,  t'ree  bits." 

"  We'll  give  'em  all  we've  got,"  added  Jack ; 
"  but  what  about  you,  Docak  ?" 

"  Me  go  home,"  was  the  answer,  accompanied 
by  one  of  his  pleasing  grins. 

"  Can  you  find  the  way  ?" 

"  Me  all  right  now — hark !  hear  de  water  ?" 

He  spoke  the  truth,  it  being  a  singular  fact 
that  the  atmospheric  conditions  had  changed  to 
that  degree  that  the  dull,  hollow  moaning  for 
which  they  had  listened  so  long  in  vain  was 
now  audible  to  all.  It  was  like  a  beacon  light, 
which  suddenly  flames  out  on  the  top  of  a  high 
hill,  for  the  guidance  of  the  belated  traveler. 
There  could  be  no  going  astray,  with  that  sound 


292 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


always  in  his  ears,  and  strengthened  by  his  meal 
of  venison,  the  hardy  native  would  press  on  un- 
til he  ducked  his  head  and  passed  through  the 
entry  of  his  home. 

It  might  well  be  questioned  how  the  wild  men 
could  maintain  their  bearings,  but  they  had 
come  unerringly  across  the  snowy  wastes  from 
their  distant  homes,  and  the  boom  of  the  ocean 
was  as  sure  an  aid  to  them  as  it  was  to  Docak. 
No  fear  but  that  they  would  go  as  straight  as  an 
arrow  to  Ivigtut. 

There  was  no  call  for  delay  or  ceremony.  A 
long  journey  was  before  them,  and  it  being  the 
season  when  the  days  were  not  unusually  long, 
they  must  be  improved  to  the  utmost.  The  wild 
men  beckoned  to  the  three  to  approach  the 
sleighs,  where,  with  a  little  dexterous  manipula- 
tion of  the  bundlesj  they  made  room  for  each. 

Jack  found  himself  seated  at  the  rear  of  one 
of  the  odd  vehicles,  which  consisted  mainly  of 
runners,  but  had  a  framework  at  the  back  that 
gave  grateful  rest  to  the  body.  The  peltries 
were  fastened  in  front  and  around  him;  some 


THE   WILD   MEI^   OF   GREENLAND 


293 


, 


being  used  to  cover  his  limbs,  and  a  part  of  his 
body,  so  that  he  could  hardly  have  been  more 
comfortable.  The  runners  were  made  very 
broad  to  prevent  them  sinking  in  the  sno^. 
But  for  that,  it  would  have  been  hard  work  for 
the  nimble  dogs  to  drag  them  and  their  loads 
with  any  kind  of  speed.  The  situation  of  the 
boys  was  similar  to  the  sailor's. 

The  arrangement  left  one  of  the  sleighs 
without  an  occupant.  This  was  well,  since  the 
wild  men  could  take  turns  in  riding,  when  they 
felt  the  need,  and  the  whites  need  not  walk  a 
step  of  the  way  to  Ivigtut. 

While  the  confab  was  going  on,  the  dogs  were 
having  their  own  fun.  Quick  to  obey  the  order 
to  halt  they  squatted  on  their  haunches  facing 
in  all  directions,  and  for  a  time  were  quite 
motionless  and  well  behaved,  but  it  was  not  long 
before  their  natural  mischievousness  asserted 
itself,  and  they  began  frolicking  with  each  other. 
They  were  snapping,  barking,  snarling,  and 
then  half  of  them  were  rolling  over  in  the  snow, 
fighting  with  good  nature,  the  evil  of  which  was 


294 


AMONG   THE  ESQUIMAUX 


that  it  tangled  the  simple  harness  into  the  worst 
sort  of  knots,  which  undoubtedly  was  just  what 
the  canines  wanted  to  do. 

The  head  driver  spoke  angrily  to  them, 
cracked  his  long  whip,  and,  bringing  the  knot 
down  on  their  bodies,  or  about  their  ears,  added 
their  yelps  of  pain  to  the  general  turmoil,  while 
the  confusion  was  greater  than  before. 

He  was  used  to  the  dogs,  knowing  every  one 
of  the  half-hundred,  and  was  quick  to  detect 
which  was  the  ringleader.  This  canine  be- 
longed to  the  rear  team,  and  not  only  started 
the  rumpus,  but  kept  it  going  with  the  utmost 
enthusiasm.  He  knew  the  driver  would  be" 
after  him,  and  he  dodged  and  whisked  among 
the  others  so  dexterously  that  the  well-aimed 
lash  cracked  against  the  side  of  some  innocent 
spectator  more  than  it  touched  him. 

But  the  driver  was  not  to  be  baffled  in  that 
fashion.  Dropping  the  whip,  he  plunged  after 
the  criminal,  and,  seizing  him  with  both  hands, 
gave  him  several  vigorous  bites  on  the  nose, 
which  made  him  howl  with  pain.    When  re- 


THE   WILD   MEN   OF  GREENLAND 


295 


leased  he  was  the  meekest  member  of  the  party, 
all  of  whom  sat  quiet,  while  the  angry  Esquimau 
devoted  himself  to  unraveling  matters. 

Rob  Carrol  had  not  forgotten  the  admiration 
which  Docak  showed  more  than  once  for  his 
rifle.  When  the  native  came  over  to  the  sleigh 
to  shake  his  hand,  as  he  was  bidding  all  good- 
bye, the  boy  said : 

"  Docak,  I  meant  that  you  should  have  this 
on  our  return  from  the  hunt.  I  sha'n't  need  it 
any  more ;  accept  it  as  a  reminder  of  this  little 
experience  we  had  together." 

The  Esquimau  was  so  taken  aback  that  for  a 
moment  he  could  not  speak.  Before  he  recov- 
ered himself.  Jack  and  Fred  added  their  re- 
quests that  he  .would  not  refuse  the  present. 
His  gratitude  was  deep,  and  found  expression 
only  in  a  few  broken  words  as  he  turned 
away. 

It  had  been  on  the  point  of  the  sailor's  tongue 
several  times  to  apologize  for  the  kick  of  the 
evening  before,  but  he  felt  that  the  result  of  it 
all  was  a  sufficient  apology  of  itself.     Besides, 


296 


AMONG  TH£  SSQUlMAUlC 


there  are  some  matters  in  life  which  it  is  best  to 
pass  over  in  silence. 

The  wild  men  showed  little  sentiment  in  their 
nature.  Seeing  that  all  was  ready,  they  cracked 
their  whips,  called  out  to  their  dogs,  and  off 
they  weni. 

Jack  and  the  boys  turned  their  hea  to  take 
a  last  look  at  Docak,  who  had  served  them  so 
faithfully  and  well.  As  they  did  so,  they  ob- 
served him  plowing  through  the  snow  again  to 
the  westward,  his  form  quickly  disappearing 
among  the  myriad  suowflakes.  They  never  saw 
him  again. 

The  first  thought  that  came  to  each  of  the 
passengers,  after  the  start  was  fairly  made,  was 
that  the  forty  miles'  journey  could  not  be  ac- 
complished before  nightfall.  The  sleighs  were 
so  heavily  loaded  with  pelts  and  themselves  that 
they  formed  quite  a  task  for  the  dogs,  which  of 
necessity  sank  deep  in  the  snow.  But  they 
tugged  and  kept  at  it  with  a  spirit  worthy  of 
all  admiration. 

But  one  of  the  remarkable  features  of  the 


TBE  WILD  HEX  OF  OBEEKLAND 


297 


►^ 


blizzard  and  snow  storm  that  had  come  so  near 
destroying  our  friends  quickly  made  itself  ap- 
parent, and  raised  their  hopes  to  the  highest 
point 

The  fall  of  snow  decreased  until  at  the  end 
of  half  an  hour  not  an  eddying  flake  was  in  the 
air.  The  sun,  after  struggling  awhile,  managed 
to  show  itself,  and  the  glare  of  the  excessively 
white  surface  fairly  blinded  the  passengers  for 
a  time.  They  noticed,  however,  that  the  depth 
of  the  last  fall  continued  to  grow  less,  until  to 
their  unbounded  amazement  and  relief  it  disap- 
peared altogether.  They  struck  the  hard  sur- 
face, which  was  like  a  smooth  floor,  and  capable 
of  bearing  ten  times  the  weight  of  the  sleighs 
without  yielding^ 

This  proved  that  the  blizzard  was  of  less  ex- 
tent than  supposed.  The  wild  men  more  than 
likely  were  beyond  its  reach,  while  Docak  and 
his  companions  were  caught  in  its  very  centre. 
Its  fury  extended  southward  but  a  short  way, 
and  the  party  had  now  crossed  the  line.  The 
country  before  them  was  like  that  over  which 


298 


AMON(*  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


Jack  and  the  boys  set  out  to  prosecute  their  hunt 
for  game. 

The  travelers  were  like  athletes,  who,  emerg- 
ing from  a  struggle  with  the  angry  waters,  find 
themselves  on  solid  land,  free  to  run  and  leap  to 
their  heart's  content.  They  had  shaken  off  the 
incubus,  and  now  sped  forward  with  renewed 
speed  and  ease.  The  small  feet  of  the  dogs 
slipped  occasionally,  but  they  readily  secured 
enough  grip,  and  the  sleighs,  hardly  scratching 
the  frozen  surface,  required  but  p.  fractional  part 
of  their  strength.  Several  uttered  their  odd 
barks  of  pleasure,  at  finding  their  labor  so  sud- 
denly turned  into  what  might  be  called  a 
frolic. 

But  the  wild  men  were  a  source  of  never- 
ending  wonder  to  the  whites.  They  sped  for- 
ward through  the  soft  snow,  with  no  more  ap- 
parent effort  than  the  skilled  skater  puts  forth, 
and  when  they  struck  the  smooth  surface,  they 
became  more  like  skaters  than  snow-shoe  trav- 
elers. They  cracked  their  whips  about  the  ears 
of  the  dogs,  called  sharply,  and  made  them  yelp 


THE   WILD   Km  OF  GREENLAND 


299 


from  the  » tinging  bites  of  the  whips  handled 
with  a  dexterity  that  would  have  flicked  off  a  fly 
from  the  front  dog*s  ears,  had  there  been  one 
there. 

(If  we  were  not  opposed  to  all  forms  of  slang, 
we  would  be  tempted  to  say  just  here  that  there 
are  no  flies  on  the  Esquimaux  canines.) 

The  brutes  were  quick  to  respond,  and  gal- 
loped swiftly  with  their  drivers  skimming  by 
their  side,  holding  them  to  the  task  by  their 
continued  orders  and  cracking  of  whips.  They 
gave  no  more  attention  to  the  passengers  than  if 
they  were  not  present. 

The  latter  were  delighted,  for  there  was  every 
reason  why  they  should  be.  Their  limbs  still 
ached  from  the  severe  exertion  through  which 
they  had  gone,  and  the  sensation  of  being 
wrapped  about  with  furs  and  fixed  in  a  comfort- 
able seat  was  pleasant  of  itself  Then  to  know 
that  they  were  speeding  toward  safety — what 
more  could  be  asked  ? 

The  sleigh  containing  Jack  Cosgrove  was  in 
the  advance ;  Rob  cajne  next,  then  Fred,  while 


^00 


AMONG  tBE  ES<^mMAt^ 


the  one  loaded  only  with  peltries  held  its  place 
at  the  rear. 

When  the  smooth  surface  was  reached,  they 
drew  quite  near  each  other,  the  friends  finding 
themselves  almost  side  by  side. 

"  This  is  what  I  call  ginooine  pleasure,"  said 
the  sailor,  turning  his  head  and  addressing  the 
boys. 

"  Yes,  I*m  enjoying  it,"  replied  Rob. 

"  So  am  I,"  added  Fred ;  "  it  makes  up  for 
what  we  suffered." 

"  We'll  skim  along  in  this  style  all  day  as  if  we 
was  on  the  sea  in  a  dead  calm ;  nothing  like  a 
capsize — "  I^M 

At  that  very  miment.  the  sailor's  sleigh  went 
over. 


CHAPTER  XXXIII 


CONCLUSION 


le 


No  ONE  can  question  that  many  animals  have 
the  propensity  to  fun  and  frolic.  It  may  be 
absent  in  some,  but  it  certainly  is  not  lacking  in 
the  canine  species. 

It  didn't  take  three  teams  of  dogs  long  to 
discover  that  their  passengers  belonged  to  the 
most  verdant  specimens  of  their  kind,  and  when 
the  brutes  struck  the  smooth  surface,  where 
traveling  was  but  a  pastime,  they  decided  to 
have  some  sport  at  their  expense. 

At  the  moment  Jack  Cosgrove  was  uttering 
his  words  to  his  young  friends,  he  failed  to  no- 
tice a  small  hillock  just  ahead  and  at  one  side 
of  the  course  they  were  following.  But  the 
leading  dogs  saw  it,  and,  veering  off,  they  made 
straight  for  it  with  increased  speed,  heedless  of 
the  shouts  and  cracking  of  the  driver's  whip. 
Before  he  could  restrain  them,  the  sleigh  col- 

301 


302 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


lided  with  the  obstruction,  overturned  in  a 
twinkling  and  Jack  found,  as  he  after  described 
it,  that  his  nose  was  plowing  through  the 
snow  with  the  whole  plaguey  load  on  top  of 
him. 

He  was  dragged  a  hundred  feet  before  extri- 
cating himself,  and  before  the  driver  could  check 
the  animals,  who  looked  so  meek  and  sorrowful 
that  he  visited  them  with  slight  punishment. 
Matters,  however,  were  soon  righted  and  the 
journey  resumed,  amid  the  laughter  of  the  boys 
in  which  the  sailor  heartily  joined. 

Within  the  next  hour  Rob's  sleigh  went  over 
and  he  had  an  almost  similar  experience.  But 
he  vas  expecting  something  of  the  kind,  and 
prepared  for  it,  so  that  he  emerged  from  under- 
neath before  being  dragged  far. 

Fred  got  it,  too,  despite  the  apparent  efforts 
of  the  drivers  to  restrain  the  dogs.  By  the 
time  matters  were  once  more  righted  and  under 
way,  the  suspicion  was  confirmed  among  the 
passengers  that  the  wild  men  were  in  the  plot 
and   enjoyed  the  ludicrous   turn   of  affairs  as 


CONCLUSION 


303 


much  as  did  the  brutes  themselves.  But  Jack 
and  the  lads  were  the  last  to  complain,  and  were 
quite  willing  that  such  good  allies  should  have 
a  little  sport  at  their  expense.  It  was  noticeable 
that  after  all  had  been  capsized,  nothing  of  the 
kind  took  place  again. 

At  noon  an  hour's  halt  was  made.  The  Es- 
quimaux produced  their  cooked  venison  and  all 
ate.  The  snow,  although  it  seems  to  add  to 
one's  thirst,  when  first  used,  served  excellently 
in  the  place  of  water. 

As  well  as  they  could  by  signs,  the  passengers 
offered  to  walk  and  allow  the  Esquimaux  to  ride. 
Where  the  surface  was  so  favorable  this  would 
have  imposed  no  hard  work,  but  the  natives 
refused,  even  declining  to  ride  alternately  in 
the  rear  sleigh. 

The  dogs  were  tired  enough  to  give  no  trouble 
during  the  noon  halt.  They  sat  around  on  their 
haunches  and  eagerly  devoured  the  bits  of  raw 
meat  tossed  to  them.  When  one  or  two  showed 
a  disposition  to  stir  up  matters,  an  angry  warn- 
ing and  snap  of  the  whip  from  one  of  the  drivers 


mmm 


304 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


brought  him  to  his  senses,  and  he  deferred  the 
amusement  to  a  more  convenient  season. 

The  Esquimaux  chatted  volubly  among  them- 
selves, and,  although  our  friends  could  not  catch 
the  meaning  of  anything  said,  they  were  sure 
they  had  made  good  progress  toward  Ivigtut, 
which,  barring  accident,  would  be  reached  by 
nightfall. 

The  journey  was  pressed  with  the  same  vigor 
through  the  afternoon,  the  men  seeming  as  tire- 
less as  the  dogs,  who  trottec"  along  as  they  might 
have  done  over  the  bare  ground  without  any 
load  impeding  their  movements. 

The  sun  was  still  above  the  horizon  when  the 
party  reached  the  crest  of  the  mountains  near 
the  coast,  and  saw  before  them,  nestling  at  the 
curve  of  a  fiord,  a  collection  of  low,  weather- 
beaten  houses,  dispersed  along  the  slope  of  the 
hills,  with  a  wharf  at  the  water's  edge,  on  which 
lay  a  large  number  of  blocks  of  the  peculiar 
white  ore  known  as  cryolite. 

"  Vee-tut,  vee-tut  I"  exclaimed  one  of  the 
drivers,  addressing  the  passengers  with  great 


CONCLUSION 


305 


animation.  This  was  the  nearest  he  was  able 
to  come  to  pronouncing  the  name  "  Ivigtut." 

Yes,  this  was  the  mining  town  famous  the 
world  over  as  containing  the  only  cryolite 
mines  so  far  discovered  on  the  globe. 

Ivigtut  is  in  latitude  sixty-one  degrees  and 
twelve  minutes  north,  its  climate  being  severe 
at  certain  seasons,  but  comparatively  moderate 
during  summer.  Then  there  are  one  hundred 
and  thirty  picked  men  from  Copenhagen  en- 
gaged in  the  quarries,  the  number  being  a  little 
more  than  one-half  as  great  in  winter.  Only 
one  or  two  Esquimaux  are  to  be  found  about 
the  place,  and  the  only  family  that  of  the  super- 
intendent, who  has  his  wife  and  her  maid  with 
him. 

The  principal  work  of  the  employees  is  in 
quarrying  the  cryolite  and  piling  it  on  the 
wharf,  ready  for  shipment  both  to  the  Old 
and  New  World.  And  now  how  many  of  my 
readers  can  tell  me  what  cryolite  is  ?  Shall  I 
explain  ? 

Do  you  know  that  most  of  the  sal-soda,  the 

39 


T  '■"  I    ■    I     P  > 


806 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


bicarbonate  of  soda,  the  alum,  and  the  caustic 
soda  used  in  your  homes  is  dug  out  of  a  moun- 
tain in  Greenland  ? 

In  1806,  a  German  named  Giesecke,  believing 
that  valuable  minerals  might  be  found  in  Green- 
land, applied  to  the  Danish  Government  for 
permission  to  prospect  the  mountains.  He  did 
so,  all  the  way  from  Cape  Farewell,  living  with 
the  Danish  governors  or  among  the  Esquimaux, 
as  circumstances  required,  until  he  reached 
Arsuk  Fiord. 

At  this  place  he  heard  of  a  deposit  of  ice  that 
never  melted  and  which  was  on  the  edge  of  the 
fiord.  It  was  powdered,  was  used  by  the  natives 
in  tanning  skins,  and  acted  on  a  greasy  hide 
like  soap.  The  prospector  gathered  a  number 
of  specimens  and  started  with  them  for  Ger- 
many, for  the  substance  was  entirely  new  and 
required  analysis. 

On  the  homeward  voyage  the  Danish  ship 
was  captured  by  a  British  man-of-war  and  the 
specimens  of  cryolite  went  to  an  English  insti- 
tution, where,  they  were  analyzed  for  the  first 


Miaf*^iiri{.''Kitiil»aiitk . 


I'liiij.ijj^jl'ii'jff* 


CONCLUSION 


307 


time.  It  was  interesting  of  itself,  but  pro- 
nounced comparatively  worthless. 

It  remained  for  a  distinguished  chemist  named 
Thomson  to  discover  that  sal-soda  and  bicarbon- 
ate of  soda  can  be  made  cheaply  from  the  sub- 
stance. It  is  free  from  all  impurities,  and  steps 
were  taken  to  develop  the  quarry.  The  first 
attempt  was  in  1852,  but  regular  work  did  not 
begin  until  six  years  later,  and  more  years 
passed  before  any  money  was  made  out  of  the 
mine. 

Up  to  1864  the  entire  product  of  the  quarry 
went  to  Europe.  In  that  year  the  American 
firm  known  as  the  Pennsylvania  Salt  Manu- 
facturing Company,  of  Natrona  and  Philadel- 
phia, began  to  import  it.  The  ships  used  are 
made  as  strongly  as  possible,  for  they  have  to 
force  their  way  through  fields  of  floating  ice, 
craunch  into  huge  blocks,  and  keep  a  sharp 
lookout  for  icebergs. 

Small  quantities  of  cryolite  have  been  found 
in  the  Ural  Mountains  and  a  trace  was  dis- 
covered at  Pike's  Peak,  in  our  own  country, 


308 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


some  years  ago,  but  it  did  not  pan  out.  A 
genuine  cryolite  mine  within  easy  reach  would 
prove  a  bonanza  to  the  discoverer. 

Cryolite  in  appearance  resembles  white  quartz 
or  ice,  with  a  mixture  of  snow  in  it.  Although 
generally  white,  it  is  not  always  so.  It  is  some- 
times a  light  brown  or  a  dark  color,  due  either 
to  vegetable  matter  that  has  soaked  into  it  or 
the  presence  of  iron. 

What  I  have  related  and  considerably  more, 
our  friends  learned  during  their  stay  at  Ivig- 
tut. 

Finding  themselves  at  the  end  of  their  jour- 
ney, the  three  climbed  out  of  the  sleighs,  their 
limbs  considerably  cramped  from  their  long- 
constrained  posture.  They  shook  hands  with 
the  Esquimaux,  who  understood  that  form  of 
salutation,  and  who  grinned  the  delight  they 
could  not  form  the  words  to  speak. 

To  one  of  them  Jack  presented  his  gun  and 
'Fred  gave  his  to  another.  This  quite  over- 
whelmed them,  but  the  whites  divided  nearly 
all  the  money  they  had  among  them  betweeu 


CONCLUSION 


309 


the  other  two.  The  wild  men  were  paid  triple 
what  they  expected  for  the  inestimable  service 
rendered  the  party,  who  regretted  that  they 
could  not  do  a  good  deal  more  for  them. 

They  parted  on  the  edge  of  the  town,  and, 
just  as  night  began  settling  over  Ivigtut,  the 
three  came  down  the  slope  and  showed  them- 
selves among  the  employees,  where  their  appear- 
ance attracted  considerable  curiosity. 

Rob's  first  inquiry  was  for  the  superintendent 
of  the  mines.  He  was  directed  to  a  one-story 
house  painted  blue,  near  the  rear  of  which  rose 
a  staff  from  which  the  flag  of  Denmark  floated. 

At  the  eastern  end  of  the  settlement  was  a 
somewhat  similar  house  painted  black,  where 
the  comptroller,'  or  representative  of  the  king 
lived,  while  near  the  centre  were  two  other 
structures,  from  which  puffs  of  steam  rose. 

The  visitors  received  the  kindest  hospitality 
from  the  superintendent,  whose  name  was  G.  E. 
Schmidt.  He  listened  to  their  story  with  deep 
interest,  and  insisted  that  they  should  make 
their  home  with  him  as  long  as  they  could  stay 


810 


AMONa  THE  ESQUIMAUX 


in  Ivigtut.  He  brought  in  his  wife  and  intro- 
duced them  to  her. 

They  found  her  a  most  pleasant  lady,  and  the 
three  soon  felt  entirely  at  home. 

"  By  the  way,"  he  asked,  as  the  preparations 
for  supper  progressed,  "  what  did  you  say  was 
the  name  of  the  ship  on  which  you  left  Lon- 
don ?" 

"  The  'Nautilus,'"  replied  Rob ;  "  we  fear  she 
found  '•ed  in  the  gale  a  few  days  ago  which  sep- 
arated us  iiv.     ^er." 

"  I*m  not  so  fearful  about  that,"  put  in  Jack ; 
who  felt  that  such  remarks  were  a  slight  upon 
the  ship  to  whicli  he  was  attached ;  "  she  has 
rid  out  a  good  many  tough  storms,  and  I  don't 
see  why  she  couldn't  pull  through  that  one." 

"  Let  us  hope  that  she  did,"  said  the  superin- 
tendent, kindly,  and  with  a  twinkle  of  his  fine 
eyes  which  the  others  did  not  notice. 

"I  was  hopeful  that  she  had  possibly  made 
her  way  to  Ivigtut,"  added  Fred,  who  continued, 
turning  to  the  sailor,  "  we  forgot  to  take  a  look 
in  the  harbor." 


CONCLJSION 


311 


■k. 


"  No  use  of  that,"  replied  Jack ;  *'  she  might 
have  come  in  at  some  of  the  other  ports,  but  not 
here." 

"I  suppose,  Mr.  Schmidt,  that  we  can  go 
home  by  way  of  Denmark  ?" 

"  There  will  be  no  trouble  about  that ;  the 
only  inconvenience  is  that  it  will  extend  the  trip 
much  longer  than  is  pleasant,  but  I  understand 
that  you  contemplated  a  visit  to  one  of  the  posts 
of  the  Hudson  Bay  Company." 

"Yes,  the  destination  of  the  *  Nautilus'  is  York 
Factory." 

"  Then  your  friends  at  home  will  feel  no  alarm, 
since  you  will  be  the  first  to  carry  the  news  there, 
unless  possibly  Captain  McAlpine  turned  im- 
mediately about,  and  started  for  England." 

It  struck  Rob  Carrol  as  singular  that  the 
superintendent  should  mention  the  name  of  the 
skipper  of  the  "Nautilus  "  when  no  one  of  the 
visitors  had  yet  done  so.  Where  could  he  have 
learned  it?  His  companions  did  not  notice  the 
odd  fact  and  he  was  too  polite  to  ask  their  host  to 
explain. 


312 


AMONG  THE  ESQtTIMAtTX 


"  We  rarely  receive  a  visit  from  the  English 
vessels,"  continued  Mr.  Schmidt,  "  though  now 
and  then  one  drops  down  on  us,  but  there  is  an 
American  line,  inasmuch  as  a  good  deal  of 
cryolite  goes  to  the  United  States.  How  would 
you  like  to  make  a  voyage  to  that  part  of  the 
country  ?" 

"  It  would  be  pleasant,  but  hardly  prac- 
ticable," replied  Rob,  who  could  not  forget  that 
the  funds  of  the  company  were  at  a  frightfully 
low  ebb.  "  We  shall  have  to  defer  that  treat  to 
some  more  convenient  season." 

"  I  cannot  tell  you  how  pleased  I  am  to  re- 
ceive this  visit,"  said  the  superintendent ;  "  you 
must  stay  several  weeks  with  me,  and  visit  the 
mines  and  see  all  there  is  to  be  seen.  I  hardly 
suppose  you  would  care  to  make  a  hunting  trip 
into  the  interior  ?"  he  added,  with  a  smile. 

"No,  we  have  had  enough  of  that  to  last 
several  lifetimes,"  replied  Jack,  uttering  at  the 
same  time  the  sentiments  of  his  friends. 

"  I  don't  wonder ;  there  is  too  much  snow  and 
cold  weather  for  real  sport,  except  at  certain 


COHCLUSiOlT 


313 


seasons.  I  must  see  the  men  who  brought  you 
in.  The  real  wild  Esquimaux  live  on  the  east 
coast,  where  the  climate  is  so  terrible  that  the 
whites  rarely,  if  ever,  visit  them,  and  they  are 
beyond  the  control  of  all  except  their  own. 
If  these  fellows  of  yours  make  their  homes  in 
the  interior,  they  are  very  different  from  all  the 
Esquimaux  of  which  I  know  anything.  I  think 
there  is  some  mistake  about  it." 

"  We  know  nothing,  of  course,  beyond  what 
Docak  told  us." 

"  He  is  an  unusually  intelligent  native,  and  I 
know  him  very  well.  He  is  a  little  morose  at 
times,  and  I  understand  has  caused  some  trouble 
at  the  other  settlements,  but  he  is  a  worthy 
fellow  for  all  that.  •  By  the  way,  I  have  a  friend 
who  is  expected  to  supper  with  me  this  evening. 
It  will  be  a  pleasure,  I  am  sure,  for  you  to  meet 
him." 

"  It  will  be  a  pleasure  to  meet  any  of  your 
friends,"  Eob  hastened  to  say,  for  his  heart  had 
already  warmed  to  the  genial  and  hospitable 
gentleman. 


AMONG  THE  ESQUIMAUX 

"If  I  am  nvot  mistaken,  he  has  arrived," 
added  Mr.  Schmidt,  rising  from  his  chair  and 
stepping  to  the  door. 

The  next  moment  he  admitted  a  stalwart, 
whiskered,  sun-browned  man,  in  midd'/i  ]fiv, 
and,  shaking  his  hand,  turned  to  his  other 
guests. 

"Permit  me,  captain,  to  introduce  you  to 
Messrs.  Cosgrove,  Carrol,  and  Warburton.'* 

"  Wal,  by  the  great  horned  spoon !"  exclaimed 
the  sailor,  springing  to  his  feet  and  striding 
across  the  room,  "where  did  you  come  from, 
captain  ?" 

It  was  Captain  Mc Alpine,  of  the  "  Nautilus," 
standing  before  them,  smiling,  bewildered,  and 
happy,  as  he  gazed  into  the  faces  of  his  friends 
whom  he  had  mourned  for  days  under  the  fear 
that  they  were  deadr 

The  laughing  Kob  and  Fred  were  right  be- 
hind Jack,  and  they  shook  the  hands  of  t  .r* 
good  old  sailor,  and  felt  like  throwing  their 
arms  about  his  neck  and  h  iggiiig  him. 

"I  must  apologize  for  tltis  I'U'c  joke,"  said 


said 


CONCLUSION 


315 


^^H, 


Superintendent  Schmidt,  who  enjoyed  it  fully, 
"but  really  I  couldn't  help  it.  Captain  Mc- 
Alpine  arrived  at  Ivigtut  yesterday,  and  came 
straight  to  me  with  news  of  what  had  happened. 
He  was  driven  far  away  from  the  iceberg,  as  you 
know,  and  had  searched  for  it  in  vain.  At  a 
loss  what  to  do,  he  put  into  Ivigtut  to  consult 
with  me." 

By  this  time  the  excitement  was  about  over, 
and  all  seated  themselves  as  the  servant  came 
in  and  lighted  the  lamps.  Mr.  Schmidt  con- 
tinued : 

"  The  occurrence  was  so  extraordinary  that  I 
was  at  a  loss  how  to  advise  him,  and  his  purpose 
in  coming  here  this  evening  was  that  we  might 
discuss  the  question  and  decide  it." 

"  You  see,"  observed  the  captain  (and  he 
thereby  verified  the  words  of  Jack  Cosgrove, 
uttered  several  days  before'i , "  I  observed  that  that 
iceberg  wasn't  sailing  straight  for  the  Equator, 
and  I  got  the  idea  that  it  was  to  be  looked  for 
further  up  north,  though  as  likely  as  not  it 
would  change  its  course  and  head  south  again. 


316 


AMONG  THE  ESQITIMAUX 


The  only  thing  for  me  was  to  try  to  get  another 
ship  or  two  to  jine  me  in  a  search  for  you.  I 
was  ^j  to  find  out  whether  that  could  be 
done,  bu.  liow  there  isn't  any  need  of  it.'* 

"Thank  Heaven,  no!"  fervently  responded 
Rob  Carrol ;  "  we  have  had  a  close  call,  and 
the  only  regret  we  shall  feel  in  leaving  Green- 
land is  that  it  will  take  us  away  from  our 
friends." 

"  It  is  I  who  feel  that,  but  it  is  one  of  the 
sure  penalties  of  our  existence.  Supper,  I  see, 
is  ready ;  will  you  kindly  walk  out  with  me  ?" 
he  asked,  rising  to  his  feet,  and  leading  the 
way. 

And  perhaps  it  is  as  well  that  we  should  say 
good-bye  to  the  party,  now  that  they  are  seated 
around  the  board  with  keen  appetites,  cheerful 
conversation,  and  happy  hearts ;  for  of  the  visit 
made  to  the  cryolite  mines  the  next  day,  the 
sailing  of  the  "Nautilus"  two  days  later,  the  voy- 
age through  Hudson  Bay  to  York  Factory,  the 
visit  there,  the  safe  return  to  England,  and  the 
settling  down  of  Rob  Carrol  and  Fred  War- 


CONCLUSION 


317 


burton  to  the  sober  business  of  life — why,  all 
these  may  be  covered  in  a  paragraph,  and  so  we 
say,  "  Good-bye." 


THE  END 


mammm 


The  Young  Boatman 

By  Horatio  Alger,  Jr. 

369  Pages  Illustrated 

Cloth,  1 1. 25 

This  is  an  interesting  story  of  a  boy 
who  is  obliged  to  support  himself  and 
his  mother  by  rowing  passengers 
across  the  Kennebec  River.  To  add 
to  his  trials,  his  intemperate  step- 
father, after  serving  a  term  of  im- 
prisonment, returns  home  and  endeavors  to  compel 
the  boy  to  pay  over  his  small  earnings  to  him. 
This  the  boy,  who  was  appropriately  nicknamed 
Grit,  refuses  to  do,  and  after  a  struggle  the  stepfather 
retires  from  the  conflict  and  returns  to  his  thieving 
habits. 

Shortly  after  Grit  discovers  a  conspiracy  to  rob  the 
bank  and  promptly  communicates  his  knowledge  to  the 
president,  who  succeeds  in  frustrating  the  plans  of  the 
robbers  and  secures  their  arrest. 

Grit's  cheerful  m-inner  and  kindly  good  nature, 
coupled  with  ih^  •  most  sterling  honesty,  cause  him 
to  be  held  in  high  esteem  by  all  who  know  him.  His 
manly  courage  and  self-reliance  are  often  sorely  tested, 
but  his  indomitable  pluck  transmutes  calamity  into  suc- 
cess. 

The  book  is  full  of  incident  and  adventure  of  just  the 
right  sort  to  hold  the  attention  of  any  bright  boy. 

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The  Odds  Against  Him,  or 
Carl  Crawford's  Experience 

By  Horatio  Alger,  Jr. 

350  pages  Illustrated 

Cloth,  $1.25 

The  hero  of  this  story  had  to  leave 
home  on  account  of  the  ill-treatment 
1  .  received  from  his  stepmother,  who 
had  a  son  of  her  own  about  the  same 
age.  Dr.  Crawford,  a  man  of  con- 
siderable wealth,  but  of  weak,  vacil- 
lating mind,  loved  his  son,  but  was  afraid  to  show  his 
true  feelings  in  the  presence  of  his  wife.  After  leaving 
home  and  meeting  with  a  number  of  adverse  experi- 
ences, Carl  eventually  obtained  employment  in  a  fac- 
tory. He  soon  gained  the  confidence  of  his  employer, 
and  after  frustrating  an  attempt  of  the  book-keeper  to 
rob  the  safe,  he  was  appointed  as  a  traveler,  and,  visit- 
ing Chicago,  he  discovered  that  his  stepmother  had  an- 
other husband  living.  Her  success  in  getting  a  will 
made  in  her  own  favor,  an  attempt  on  the  life  of  her  hus- 
band, etc.,  are  all  defeated,  and  Carl  came  out  victorious 
in  the  end. 

The  book  is  full  of  bright,  cheerful,  and  amusing  inci- 
dents, showing  that  a  boy  of  good,  honest,  sterling,  in- 
dustrious habits  can  always  secure  friends,  and  succeed 
in  earning  a  good  living. 

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The  Moncasket  Mystery 


AND 

How  Tom  Hardy  Solved  It 

By  Sidney  Marlow 
375  pages  Illustrated 

Cloth,  I1.25 
The  tone  of  this  book  is  earnestly 
and  emphatically  moral,  and  the  au- 
thor understands  that  nothiug  makes 
morality  so  attractive  to  youth  as  to 
find  it  coupled  with  ingenuity,  energy, 
and  pluck. 

There  is  no  '•  cant "  and  no  "  can't "  about  Tom  Hardy, 
the  decidedly  vigorous  hero  of  this  story.  He  is  a  safe 
and  worthy  companion  of  any  boy  or  girl,  and  it  is  pre- 
dicted that  he  will  not  only  win  a  warm  place  for  him- 
self in  the  hearts  of  all  who  make  his  acquaintance,  but 
that  he  will  gallantly  retain  it  long  after  the  covers  shall 
have  closed  upon  this  chronicle  of  his  efforts  and  adven- 
tures. He  is  an  admirable  boy,  yet  the  author,  in  defi- 
ance of  the  usual  method  in  modern  juvenile  fiction,  has 
refused  to  sacrifice  all  of  the  other  characters  to  the  sin- 
gle hero.  Even  those  whose  parts  are  but  the  slightest 
have  been  so  attractively  presented  that  the  reader  feels 
that  if  the  events  had  chanced  to  require  it  each  one  of 
them  would  have  become  a  hero. 

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Harry  Ambler,  and  How  He 

Saved  the  Homestead 

By  Sidney  Marlow 

350  Pages  Illustrai<i 

Cloth,  $1.25 

This  is  a  narrative  of  a  bright,  ac- 
tive, and  courageous  boy,  suddenly 
thrown  upon  his  own  resources  and 
subjected  to  the  malicious  plots  of  a 
powerful  enemy.  The  effectual  and 
yet  not  unnatural  manner  in  which  the 
hero  turns  his  enemy's  weapons  to  his  own  defence,  con- 
stitutes, perhaps,  the  chief  charm  of  the  book. 

The  story  abounds  in  humorous  and  exciting  situations, 
yet  it  is  in  no  objectionable  way  sensational.  There  is 
nothing  in  it  that  will  tend  to  create  or  encourage  a  taste 
for  mere  reckless  adventure. 

The  author  has  given  more  attention  to  the  delineation 
of  his  characters  than  is  usual  in  juvenile  literature,  thus 
making  the  story  pleasant  reading,  even  for  those  who 
have  passed  the  outer  line  of  boyhood. 

He  believes  in  a  "  moral,"  but  not  in  those  bits  of  ab- 
stract virtue  which  are  so  frequently  forced  into  juvenile 
stories,  only  to  be  "skipped"  by  the  youthful  reader. 
He  would  create  a  personal  sympathy  with  the  best  ef- 
forts of  fallible  boys  and  girls,  rather  than  an  admiration 
for  the  mere  name  of  virtue. 

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Chasing  a  Yacht 


'  '.A  '/AC//'/' 


By  James  Otis 

Author  of 

*'  TheBraganza  Diamond,"  "Andy's 

Ward,"  etc. . 

350  pages  Illustrated 

Cloth,  I1.25 

Two  boys  have  engaged  to  run  a 
steam  yacht  for  the  double  purpose 
of  pleasure  and  profit,  and  after  care- 
fully fitting  her  up  they  launch  her,  only  to  find  the  next 
morning  that  she  is  gone — stolen — as  they  later  discover, 
by  two  other  boys  who  had  been  refused  a  half-interest 
in  her.  The  rightful  owners  start  in  hot  pursuit,  and  in 
an  attempt  to  recapture  the  steamer  are  themselves 
made  prisoners.  It  is  the  intention  of  the  thieves  to 
hold  the  owners  prisoners  until  the  Hudson  River  is 
reached  and  then  put  them  ashore,  but  their  plans  mis- 
carry owing  to  the  intervention  of  two  rather  rough 
citizens  who  find  their  way  aboard  the  yacht  and  make 
themselves  generally  at  home.  Fortunately  one  of  the 
owners  manages  to  effect  his  escape,  and  gaining  the 
assistance  of  the  authorities  the  little  ve'^sel  is  speedily 
restoredto  them. 

The  story  is  full  of  adventure,  and  the  heroes  are  both 
bright  and  manly  fellows,  who  make  the  best  of  their 
temporary  hardships.  The  story  will  be  found  to  enlist 
the  interest  at  the  outset,  and  to  hold  it  until  the  last 
page  is  turned. 

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The  Braganza  Diamond 

By  James  Otis 
Author  of 
"Chasing    a    Yacht,"  •  "Andy's 
Ward,'  etc. 

383  pages  Illustrated 

Cloth,  $1.25 

Long  before  the  opening  events  of 
this  story  the  fragments  of  this  cele- 
brated gem  are  supposed  to  *'ave 
been  taken  from  a  wreck  by  an  old  sea  captai'  id 
secreted  by  him  on  a  lonely  island  in  Roanoke  So 

This  aged  captain,  now  quite  feeble,  sends  for  his  niece 
and  her  daughter.  They  invite  two  bright  boys  to 
accompany  them,  and  engaging  a  steam  launch  the  four, 
in  company  with  the  owner — a  trusty  sailor — set  out  for 
the  lonely  island.  Arriving  there  they  are  distressed  at 
finding  ihe  captain  already  dead.  To  add  to  their  dis- 
comfort they  also  discover  that  the  former  owners  of  the 
diamond  have  appeared  upon  the  scene.  The  little  party 
is  forcibly  made  prisoner,  and  their  captors  demand  that 
they  forthwith  produce  the  precious  stone.  This,  of 
course,  they  are  unable  to  do,  but  discovering  among 
the  old  captain's  effects  a  curious  cryptogram,  they  aro 
led  to  hope  that  its  solution  may  reveal  the  secret  hiding 
place  of  the  diamond,  and  thus  restore  to  them  their 
freedom.  This  theory  eventually  proves  correct,  but  not 
until  after  the  party  has  endured  many  hardships,  and 
passed  through  many  exciting  experiences. 

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:eipt 


The  5tory  of  the  Iliad 

FOR  BOYS  AND  GIRLS 

By  Dr.  Edward  Brooks,  A.  M. 

370  pages  Profusely  Illustrated 

Cloth  Binding,  $1.25 

White  and  Silver  Edition,  $1.50 
This  is  a  story  of  absorbing  interest 
both  to  young  and  old.  It  relates  in 
a  sitni  le  prose  narrative  the  leading 
incidents  of  one  of  the  greatest  literary 
works  of  the  world — the  Iliad  of  Homer.  Many  of  its 
names  are  household  words  among  educated  people,  and 
its  incidents  are  a  constant  source  of  allusion  and  illus- 
tration among  the  best  speakers  and  writers.  No  one 
with  any  claim  to  literary  culture  can  afford  to  be  igno- 
rant of  them. 

The  object  of  the  work  is  two-fold — first,  to  present  to 
young  people  an  interesting  story  which  will  be  read 
with  pleasure  and  at  the  same  time  cultivate  a  taste  for 
good  literature ;  second,  to  give  a  popular  knowledge  of 
this  famous  work  of  Homer  and  thus  afford  a  sort  of 
stepping-stone  to  one  of  the  grandest  poetical  structures 
of  all  time. 

It  is  thus  a  book  for  the  home  circle,  and  should  be  in 
every  household  in  the  land.  It  is  recommended  espe- 
cially for  School  Libraries  and  young  folks'  Reading 
Circles,  and  also  to  schools  as  a  Supplementary 
Reader. 

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of  price. 

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The  Story  of  the  Odyssey 

FOR  BOYS  AND  GIRLS 
By  Dr.  Edward  Brooks,  A.  M. 
370  pages  Profusely  Illustrated 

Cloth  Binding,  I1.25 
While  and  Silver  Edition,  $1.50 
The  Odyssey  of  Homer  combines 
the  romance  of  travel  with  that  of 
domestic  life,  and  it  differs  from  the 
IHad,  which  is  a  tale  of  the  camp  and 
battle-field.  Although  the  ancient  author  concentrates 
the  attention  on  a  single  character — Ulysses — he  re- 
fers to  several  beautiful  women,  including  some  of 
the  goddesses.  After  the  siege  of  Troy,  Ulysses 
started  on  a  voyage  of  discovery  and  *  adventure  in 
unknown  lands,  which,  although  described  with  poetic 
exaggeration,  "has  been  a  rich  mine  of  wealth  for 
poets  and  romancers,  painters  and  sculptors,  from 
the  date  of  the  age  which  we  call  Homer's  down  to 
our  own." 

In  this  wonderful  poem  lie  the  germs  of  thousands  of 
volumes  which  fill  our  modern  libraries.  Without  some 
knowledge  of  it,  readers  will  miss  the  point  of  many 
things  in  modern  art  and  literature. 

Ulysses  was  brave  and  valiant  as  a  soldier,  and  was  dis- 
tinguished for  his  wisdom  and  shrewdness  which  enabled 
him  to  extricate  himself  from  the  difficulties  which  to 
others  would  seem  insurmountable. 

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The  Campers  Out 

OR 

The  Right  Path  and  the  Wrong 

By  Edward  S.  Ellis,  A.  M. 
Author    of    "Among    the    Esqui- 
maux," "Comrades  True,"  etc. 
363  pages  Illustrated 

Cloth,  $1.25 

This  is  one  of  the  most  interesting 
works  of  an  author  whose  productions 
are  widely  read  and  deservedly  popu- 
lar on  both  sides  of  the  Atlantic.  Mr. 
Ellis  has  in  perfection  the  faculty  of 
making  his  stories  not  only  entertaining  in  the  highest 
degree  but  instructing  and  elevating.  A  leading  journal 
truthfully  stated  that  no  mother  need  hesitate  to  place  any 
story  of  which  Mr.  Ellis  is  the  author  in  the  hands  of  her 
boy,  for  he  is  sure  to  be  instructed  as  well  as  entertained. 
"  The  Campers  Out "  is  bright,  breezy,  and  full  of  ad- 
venture of  just  the  right  sort  to  hold  the  attention  of  any 
young  mind.  It  is  clean,  pure,  and  elevating,  and  the 
stirring  incident?  with  which  it  is  filled  convey  one  of 
the  most  forceful  of  mora  5.  It  traces  the  "  right  path  " 
and  the  "wrong  path"  of  several  boys  with  such  strik- 
ing power  that  old  and  young  will  be  alike  impressed 
by  the  faithful  portrayal  of  character,  and  be  interested 
from  beginning  to  end  by  the  succession  of  exciting  in- 
cidents. 

Sold  by  all  booksellers,  or  sent,  prepaid,  upon  receipt 
of  price 

The  Penn  Publishing  Company 

1020  Arch  Street,  Philadelphia 


